Arsenal are hopeful of signing Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo on loan until the end of the season, football.london understands.
The Gunners are looking to bring an emergency midfield signing in with Albert Sambi Lokonga and Granit Xhaka currently the club's only senior midfield options.
Xhaka is currently isolating after testing positive for COVID-19 but is expected back in training within the next few days.
Arthur is a long-term target of technical director Edu and talks have already taken place several months ago with the 25-year-old's representatives.
football.london has learned that Arthur is keen on playing regular first team football in a bid to make Brazil's 2022 World Cup squad.
Arthur started his career with Gremio before making the move to Catalan giants Barcelona in 2018. After two years at the Nou Camp, Juventus came calling.
The Brazilian has been with the Serie A side since September 2020 but has struggled for regular gametime, having made 29 appearances in Serie A - with only 16 of thos being starts. He has one goal in the league.
Arthur isn't the only January signing the Gunners are chasing, with the club making a continued push to sign Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic, football.london understands.
The 21-year-old is Mikel Arteta's top transfer target with the Spaniard keen on bringing in a long-term replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and out-of-contract forwards Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah.
Sources close to Arsenal technical director Edu insist he is doing 'everything possible' to thrash out a deal this month.
Vlahovic scored 23 goals in 29 appearances last season and is wanted by a host of top European clubs.
