Arsenal made a strong bid for Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo, but the Seagulls rejected their £70 million bid.
Brighton’s stance remains unchanged, and the 21-year-old Colombia international is not for sale.
The Gunners had their initial £60 million offer for Caicedo rejected, prompting the midfielder to plead with the club to let him leave in a statement posted on social media.
Leandro Trossard has already moved from Brighton to Arsenal for a fee of £27 million, and the Gunners are now looking for a new midfielder to bolster their squad as they face many fitness worries.
Mohamed Elneny suffers from a suspected long-term injury, while Thomas Partey had to be replaced at half-time during the FA Cup defeat against Manchester City.
Arsenal looked set to sign the midfielder, but their efforts have been thwarted by a resolute Brighton side, keen to keep hold of their star man.
The Gunners may make another move for the player before the transfer window closes on Tuesday evening, but the Seagulls are set to keep hold of their star man.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is desperate to add to his side in the January transfer window, but it appears they will not be successful in their pursuit of Caicedo.
The Seagulls have been resolute in their stance and made it clear that the player is not for sale, while Roberto De Zerbi has stated that the club is ready to move forward without him.
The transfer window is a notoriously difficult time for any club, and it’s a testament to the resolve of Brighton to keep hold of their best players.
It is uncertain whether Arsenal will pursue the midfielder once again before the transfer window closes on Tuesday evening, but it appears that Brighton is set to keep hold of their star man.