Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's decision to snub a move to Saudi Arabia could interfere with Arsenal's plans to sign Dusan Vlahovic.
Al Hilal and Al Nassr have proposed to take the unsettled striker on loan until the end of the season with an obligation to buy for in the summer.
Arsenal have not responded to either offer, but The Athletic claims Aubamayeng would reject their approach regardless as he is not interested in moving to the Middle East at this stage in his career.
The Gabon international still wants to compete at the highest level with a club in Europe if he is to leave Arsenal in the near future.
This is a blow to Mikel Arteta's men as crucially, the Saudi clubs would be able to cover all of his wages, something teams in Europe would find difficulty doing as Arsenal are struggling to find a suitor for the forward.
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The report also suggests that Aubameyang's departure would boost their chances of signing Vlahovic as the future of the forward is likely to "intertwine with" any other attacking investment.
If Arsenal were able to get his £250,000-a-week salary off the books, they would have more flexibility to meet the Fiorentina striker's wage demands.
But with Aubameyang now likely to stay at the Emirates until the end of the decision, it becomes a much more difficult prospect to reach an agreement with the Serbian.
Arsenal have turned their attention to other targets as a result as Real Sociedad no.9 Aleksander Isak is at the top of Arteta's shortlist.
The report claims the Swede has a release clause in his contract that the Gunners can trigger although the north Londoners side feel they can negotiate a lower fee.
Arteta vows he will sign players that take Arsenal to the "next level" with a week left of the transfer window and won't be rushed into any hasty decisions.
“It’s what we planned, but the market is difficult, it’s complicated,” the Spaniard said.
“We knew that, but it’s a lot to manage and we have to make the right decisions with players that we believe are going to really help us and try to bring in ones that can take us to the next level.
“We are certainly trying, but I don’t know if we’re going to be able to do it. Let’s see, it’s not only our intention, but a lot of facts that are needed to happen.
“Players that come here have to be able to take us to the next level. We already have a level, and we want to see much better standards than we already have, and that is how we’re going to recruit.”
