Arsenal transfer target set for medical as deal agreed ahead of deadline day 

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Time is ticking in the January transfer window as Arsenal continue to search for a new attacker.

Amid a campaign that has been plagued by injury, Mikel Arteta has pleaded for a new forward to bolster his squad.

Gabriel Jesus’ season-ending ACL injury was the turning point in Arsenal’s transfer market plans, with a fresh face in attack now needed.

While the Gunners have been linked to several players, there hasn’t been any clarity on who could make the move to the Emirates before deadline day.

• READ MORE: Arsenal’s eight-man transfer shortlist revealed as Mikel Arteta wants new forward options

Arsenal target Jhon Duran set for Al-Nassr transfer

One player who has emerged as a target for Arteta is Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran, who Arsenal reportedly made contact with.

The 21-year-old has lit up the Premier League and Champions League with his clinical streak this season however, the Colombian’s future looks to be elsewhere.

Despite the fact that Duran would’ve been a good fit for Arsenal, the Gunners look set to miss out on his services, as a medical is in place for the striker.

David Ornstein confirmed that Duran will undergo a medical ahead of a proposed move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr, who bid €77m for the goalscorer. 

A five-and-a-half-year contract has been agreed between the Saudi club and Duran, all but ending Arsenal’s pursuit of the player.

It’s a blow for the Gunners in more ways than one, as his pending Villa exit spells bad news for another transfer prospect.

Arsenal likely to miss out on Ollie Watkins after bid

In his update about Duran’s future, Ornstein also shared what it means for Arsenal’s desire to sign Ollie Watkins. 

Arsenal had a £60m bid rejected for Watkins almost immediately by Villa, who are said to be furious with the timing of the Gunners’ approach.

Ornstein revealed that Villa received a bid from Arsenal on Monday but just days later, all hope looks to be lost as the Midlands side are unlikely to let both Watkins and Duran leave mid-season.

It’s back to square one for Arteta, with time running out to recruit the forward Arsenal so desperately need.