Arsenal are waiting on Juventus to give Arthur Melo the green light to join on loan as they look to bolster their midfield options.
The Gunners are also after a striker this month and have been linked with former Chelsea man Diego Costa, but a move for the 33-year-old seems unlikely given his age.
It is thought Costa, who is a free agent after leaving Brazilian club Atletico Mineiro, would be keen on a move to Corinthians and the chance to play with his former Chelsea team-mate Willian.
Fiorentina’s Dusan Vlahovic has emerged as Arsenal’s top striker target, but a move for the 21-year-old is not close as the transfer window enters its final two weeks.
The Serbian has 18 months left to run on his current contract and, given he will not sign an extension, several of Europe’s top clubs are tracking him.
A possible loan move for Arthur remains on the cards, but Juventus are unwilling to let the Brazilian leave right now.
The club are reluctant to be left short in the midfield area and Aaron Ramsey is more likely to leave at this moment in time. Arthur is thought to be keen on a move to Arsenal and the chance to play in England.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are in contact with Gabon over the health of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after he missed last week’s game with Ghana due to “cardiac lesions”.
The forward is understood to be feeling fine, but Arsenal are monitoring his situation closely.
