Arsenal's 18-month loan bid for midfielder Arthur is on the brink of collapse

Arsenal's move for Juventus midfielder Arthur could collapse after they refused to sanction an 18 month loan.

Arthur missed Juventus's first six games of the season due to injury but since then has only started five matches in Serie A having struggled to make an impact on the first-team.

Juve though are reluctant to allow the former Barcelona star to depart without signing a replacement first, leaving any potential deal up in the air.

The Gunners are also continuing their hunt for a striker, with Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin under consideration, although Borussia Dortmund are also monitoring the Toffees hitman as they brace for the potential loss of starman Erling Haaland in the summer.

Calvert-Lewin has missed much of the season due to a fractured toe and only returned to the Toffees' first-team this month having scored three goals in the first three games of the campaign.

However, Goodison Park officials could be reluctant to let the England international leave this month as they face a potential relegation battle while trying to appoint a new full-time boss since sacking Rafa Benitez.

Mikel Arteta's Gunners are already in the process of trying to move one forward on with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang having been left out of the squad for their winter training trip to Dubai.

Former midfielder Jack Wilshere, who is training with Arsenal, is expected to be part of the group as the free agent looks to keep up his fitness while trying to find a new club.

Meanwhile, Brighton have made an enquiry for Sporting Braga striker Abel Ruiz. The 21-year-old was formerly with Barcelona.

Graham Potter is keen to bolster his side's attack in an attempt to help the Seagulls turn their Premier League high of 12 draws into wins and give his side a surprise chance of reaching Europe next term.