Mikel Arteta plans to prevent an Arsenal star from leaving in the final hours of the transfer window, despite a deal reportedly being close.

An Arsenal player is reportedly close to securing a deal to leave the club, but Mikel Arteta is set to block an immediate exit.

Despite a string of injuries to key players, including Bukayo Saka, Arsenal have not made any signings during the January transfer window. They have been linked with Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi and Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel, while the Daily Mail reported a rejected bid for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins before the final Champions League group stage matches.

Arteta has also yet to sanction any departures, keeping his squad intact. However, reports now suggest he has blocked a move for one of his first-team players, even though the player is close to agreeing to a pre-contract deal elsewhere.

According to Sky Sports, midfielder Jorginho is nearing a pre-contract agreement to join Brazilian side Flamengo in the summer. Journalist Luca Bendoni claims Flamengo prefer to sign him immediately, but Arsenal are unwilling to let him leave in January as they push for the Premier League title.

Since arriving from Chelsea in January 2023, Jorginho has made 48 Premier League appearances for the Gunners. He recently scored a penalty in Arsenal’s 3-1 Champions League win over Girona and has featured regularly in cup competitions. However, with his contract set to expire this summer, it now seems likely he will leave after two seasons at the E

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