Arthur Melo is reportedly keen to move to the Emirates in a welcome boost for Arsenal as they look to strike a deal for the Juventus midfielder.
The Gunners opened talks over a loan for Arthur, 25, last week but negotiations between the two clubs have been more drawn-out than expected.
Juve are demanding Arsenal include an obligation to buy the Brazil international as part of any agreement, with manager Massimiliano Allegri ready to part ways with the player.
The Serie A giants are already searching for a replacement for Arthur and they do not want to be left with a bloated squad when he returns from a potential short-term loan in the summer.
But a fresh update from Italy claims the player is more than willing to join the north London club, which could force Juve to compromise.
Would you like to see Arthur Melo in an Arsenal shirt? Have your say in the comments!
TuttoMercatoWeb reports Juve are 'struggling' over what to do with Arthur as he has stated his desire to join Mikel Arteta's side.
The former Barcelona star's agent, Federico Pastorello, visited Arsenal's London Colney training ground on Wednesday and his meetings with club chiefs 'went well'.
Arthur is convinced he can play a major role for the Gunners during the second half of the season, leaving Allegri and the Juve hierarchy pondering what to do with the wantaway player.
The Bianconeri will not sanction the transfer without signing a replacement, especially as Aaron Ramsey is also heavily linked with a January departure.
The former Arsenal playmaker has been touted as a target for Newcastle and Crystal Palace two-and-a-half years on from his move to Turin.
To replace Arthur and Ramsey, Juve are believed to be targeting Borussia Monchengladbach's Denis Zakaria or Lyon's Bruno Guimaraes, who is also said to be a target for the Gunners.
Arteta, meanwhile, confirmed his colleagues behind the scenes are pulling out all the stops to strengthen his squad before the January transfer window slams shut in 10 days.
"The team are working extremely hard to get the players that we want and we have no news to give you," the Spaniard said ahead of the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool.
"We have a plan to try to bring players in and try to get the players we want with the right qualities and improve the squad in the best possible way every single window."
Aside from Arthur, Arsenal's primary target is Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic, who has been in prolific form with 20 goals in 24 appearances this season.
However, the Gunners have been dealt a bitter setback in their pursuit of the Serb, as he is believed to be willing to stay with La Viola until the summer.
