Mikel Arteta set to block exit for Arsenal star in final hours of window with transfer agreement 'close'

An Arsenal player is reportedly close to agreeing a deal to leave the club, according to reports - but Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is set to block an immediate move.

Mikel Arteta's side have not done any business during the January window despite a series of injuries to key players in recent months, including influential winger Bukayo Saka.

They have been linked with moves for Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi and Bayern Munich's Mathys Tel, while the Daily Mail reported that they had a bid turned down for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins on the eve of the final Champions League group stage matches.

The Gunners haven't yet done any outgoing business either, with Arteta at least keeping the same squad together that he had at the beginning of the window.

Now, the Gunners boss is said to have blocked a move for one of his current first team players this month - despite the player in question being close to agreeing a pre-contract move elsewhere.

According to Sky Sports, midfielder Jorginho is nearing a pre-contract arrangement to join Brazilian side Flamengo in the summer.

Jorginho in action for Arsenal against Girona in the Champions League (Image: Getty)

It is claimed by Luca Bendoni that Flamengo would prefer to sign the 33-year-old now, but Arsenal do not want to allow him to move in January ahead of the Premier League title run-in.

Jorginho has made 48 Premier League appearances for the Gunners since joining them from Chelsea in January 2023.

He did score from the penalty spot during Arsenal's 3-1 win over Girona in the Champions League on Wednesday and has been a regular fixture in cup competitions this season.

But the Italian midfielder is down the pecking order at Arsenal, and with his contract due to expire this summer, it now appears almost certain that he will not bring in a third full season at the Emirates Stadium.