Arsenal will be sweating after Paris St-Germain chief Leonardo admitted Houssem Aouar is a 'dream signing'.
However, a little snippet at the end will give the Emirates outfit a huge boost in the final days of the transfer window.
It comes amid increased reports of PSG's interest in the Lyon star, who is Mikel Arteta's top target.
The Gunners boss has made signing Aouar a priority before the transfer window shuts on Monday.
Thomas Partey was the club's previous top target but with time running out, Arsenal chiefs must prioritise.
Arteta has been desperate for creativity in the middle of the park and Aouar would certainly give them bundles of it.
But in the race to sign the 22-year-old, interest was reported from the likes of Juventus, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and PSG.
However, PSG chief Leonardo revealed it might not be possible to sign Aouar.
"Aouar it’s a dream but it may not be the right time," he said.
That will be great for Arteta, but more bad news for Thomas Tuchel - who is growing exasperated by PSG's lack of activity in the transfer market.
Mauro Icardi joining on a permanent basis has been the only major piece of business at the Parc des Princes, while the Gunners boss has opened up on transfers going into deadline day.
Arteta said: "Well, I am very confident in what we are trying to do internally.
"[I am getting] clarity and support from everybody at the club to try and improve the team if we can.
"But most importantly as well, to get the right balance in the squad, for now and the way we want to evolve the squad in the future.
"We are all very much aligned but I’m afraid that I cannot give you any updates or news.
"I think it is a crucial moment because in the end it defines the people, the players, the balance and the quality that you’re going to have for the rest of the season.
"We need to make some decisions in the next three days, I think everything has been delayed so much, not just us but probably every team because of the context that we’re in at the moment.
"We will try to make the best possible decisions and at the end, whatever we have, we go for it fully convinced and prepared to have a good season."
