Thomas Lemar missed Atletico Madrid training on Saturday as the winger continues to be linked with Arsenal.
The France international is reportedly on the Gunners' radar after falling out of favour under Diego Simeone this season.
Reports in Spain have claimed that Lemar is closing in on a move to the Emirates Stadium, but French publication RMC later reported that any deal between the clubs is some way off.
With the 24-year-old's future in the Spanish capital still uncertain, Mundo Deportivo reported that the winger did not take part in training on Saturday.
However, there was a good reason for his absence.
According to a tweet from the publication, the official explanation from the La Liga giants was that Lemar did not feature because he is currently suffering from gastroenteritis.
Atletico reportedly added that the Frenchman has not been ruled out for Sunday's league game against Leganes, which will see Simeone's side look to close the gap on Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Lemar was linked with Arsenal in 2017 during his time with Monaco and joined Atletico in a £60million deal the following year, but he has failed to live up to expectations at the Wanda Metropolitano.
The World Cup winner has started just nine of the club's league games this season without scoring and has missed his side's last five games in all competitions with a muscle injury.
Arsenal are also looking to bolster their defence options this month after Calum Chambers was ruled out until the end of the season with an injury.
They are reportedly close to on a loan deal until the end of the season with a view to a permanent move in the summer.
It is understood that the 26-year-old has arrived in London and will undergo a medical over the weekend.
Speaking about his transfer plans ahead of Monday's FA Cup game against Bournemouth, Arteta said: "We've been looking at different positions.
"Since I joined we lost Calum and we had other circumstances and injuries in those positions.
"At the back we've been short. Other positions as well, depending on what happens in the market, we might need to assess."
The Gunners boss also said it was 50:50 that the club would make a signing before adding: "I only want to bring somebody in if I'm really convinced he can improve the levels we have."
