Real Madrid are not prepared to sanction a loan move for striker Luka Jovic this month.
That's according to Spanish news outlet Marca, who are reporting that due to the hamstring injury Karim Benzema suffered recently, the La Liga leaders have 'put the brakes' on any potential departure for the Serbian striker.
football.london reported earlier in the week that the Gunners had been offered the chance to sign Jovic on loan for the remainder of the campaign, but reports from Spain are now suggesting that things have changed.
Real Madrid and Arsenal are said to have an 'excellent relationship', with plenty of deals between the two clubs recently - including Dani Ceballos and Martin Odegaard.
However, there has been no offer received by the Spanish club for Jovic just yet, but the 'thinking' inside the Santiago Bernabeu is that now is not the time to part ways with the 24-year-old.
What has been said on Jovic's future?
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, when speaking back in November of last year, addressed Jovic and his situation at the Bernabeu - insisting the striker was happy at the club.
He said: "I think Jovic is fine, happy to be here. I try to give him all the love possible. He is a player that I like as a striker. He knows it.
"He has the best striker in the world in front of him in Benzema. He should have faith that he is going to have his opportunity and that he can recover well."
Alternatives for Arsenal
If Arsenal are indeed unable to seal the signing of Jovic before Monday's 11pm deadline, then the Gunners would have to look elsewhere.
Dusan Vlahovic to Juventus looks all but done, according to reports from numerous news outlets, while the north Londoners hold a keen interest in both Alexander Isak and Jonathan David.
The former, Isak, only signed a new deal with Real Sociedad last summer, but there is a €90million (£75million) release clause in the Swede's contract.
