Arsenal remain interested in Bruno Guimaraes but they may have to wait until the summer to sign him...

What's the word?

Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano delivered a series of updates over the Gunners' interest in the Lyon midfielder over the weekend. He first claimed that the north Londoners had been "following him since long time" before later adding:

"Arsenal are working to sign a new midfielder. Bruno Guimarães appreciated but currently not discussed as January target - deal too complicated, €45m fee."

Goal linked Arsenal with a move for the Brazil international back in July, also suggesting that they tried to sign him in January 2020, so clearly, he's a long-term target for Mikel Arteta and co.

Sign him up

A number of circumstances this month have seen Arsenal's priorities change in the transfer market.

Both Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny are unavailable for selection due to their involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations, whilst the club have sanctioned the exit of Ainsley Maitland-Niles to AS Roma.

It makes Arteta very light on midfield options, leaving him with only livewire Granit Xhaka and Albert Sambi Lokonga for the two deeper roles in the engine room.

Therefore, it would be wise to consider Guimaraes now, rather than waiting for the end of the season.

The £27m-rated midfielder has excelled for Lyon in recent seasons, and last term he rated out as one of their most consistent performers - as per WhoScored, he averaged 2.3 tackles per game and an impressive 90.5% passing accuracy, earning a seasonal rating of 6.81.

His form has gone up a notch this season as he rates out as the French outfit's second-best performer, averaging a WhoScored rating of 7.04.

The 24-year-old enforcer, who stands at 6-foot, has a similar playing style to that of Wolves' Ruben Neves and former Gunners target Manuel Locatelli.

Meanwhile, football talent scout Jacek Kulig believes the Brazilian is an "elite talent" with "world-class potential", so it's no wonder Arsenal have been keen on him for quite some time.

On the above evidence, he would be a fine addition to the squad and one that Arteta badly needs this month. Edu Gaspar must make a U-turn and consider making his move, sooner rather than later.

AND in other news, Arteta could finally axe Arsenal's £110k-p/w flop by signing £16.2m-rated "big talent"...