Topics: Arsenal, Premier League, Transfers, Mikel Arteta
The agent of Real Madrid star Eduardo Camavinga has shut down reports linking the France midfielder with a loan move to Arsenal.
Reports emerged from the Evening Standard on Friday that the Gunners were keen on a temporary move for Camavinga, with Mikel Arteta keen to add fresh faces to his squad during the January window.
Arsenal have already completed a deal to sign Leandro Trossard from Brighton, while they are in advanced talks with Spezia over a move for centre-back Jakub Kiwior. The Polish international has been spotted at an Italian airport ahead of his Gunners medical.
The Camavinga interest was certainly intriguing, with the 20-year-old considered as one of world football's brightest prospects. But gametime has been hard to find this season, and he has only started five La Liga matches.
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Real boss Carlo Ancelotti had admitted he had been 'unfair' to the midfielder this campaign, which only added fuel to the fire that an Arsenal move might be possible.
The nature of any temporary arrangement, the Evening Standard claimed, would still allow Arsenal to focus on top target Declan Rice for the summer.
But it now looks like a move for Camavinga will not be happening.
In an exclusive reported by Fabrizio Romano, the Frenchman's agent, Joshua Barnett, has said that, for now, Camavinga will remain at the Bernabeu for the remainder of this season.
He stated: "There's no truth [in Arsenal links]. Of course, every club in the world would want him, but he's very happy in Real Madrid, and Real Madrid are very happy with Camavinga."
Arsenal do have another 10 days to convince club and player that a loan move may be in their best interests, but it appears that they may have to look towards other targets.
It has been claimed by CBS Sports, however, that Arteta had identified an option already at the club to provide cover in central midfield for Martin Odegaard and Granit Xhaka.
They say that Arteta planned to test Emile Smith Rowe in that role during pre-season, but injuries prevented him from doing so. However, with the 22-year-old now back in action and having returned to full fitness, the Spaniard could now pull the trigger on implementing a plan which could allow the Gunners to target other areas in January.
