Arsenal's transfer plans have been dealt a blow with the news that Ligue 1 side Lyon have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Athletico Paranaense's Bruno Guimaraes.
The Gunners are looking to strengthen their midfield, and saw the 22-year-old as a potential target following his impressive performances in the Brazilian league this season.
But according to French outlet L'Equipe a fee of around €25m (around £21m) has been agreed between Lyon and Paranaense for the player, with Guimaraes just needing to agree to the terms of his contract.
His future had appeared up in the air at the start of the day, with Guimaraes finally breaking his silence on his future to tell SporTV : "What I asked my agents was that the transfer is good for me and for Athletico Paranaense. I know that clubs are in talks, it's difficult to choose. They are all great teams."
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal will come in with a last-minute bid for the player, but it appears time is running out if they do want to beat Lyon to a deal.
Guimaraes is just one of a number of players rumoured with a move to the Gunners before the transfer window shuts on January 31, with one of the other strongest rumours linking PSG full back Layvin Kurzawa with a switch to the Emirates.
PSG have reportedly told Arsenal that it will cost them at least €5m (around £4.2m) to sign the French defender, a fee which it is expected they will be willing to pay.
Arsenal managed to salvage a point from their game against Chelsea on Tuesday evening despite having ten men for the majority of the game thanks to Hector Bellerin's late equaliser at Stamford Bridge.
They will next turn their attentions to the FA Cup when they take on Bournemouth in the fourth round on Monday.
