Arsenal transfer target rules out January move in huge blow for Arteta

Arsenal transfer target Ivan Fresneda has appeared to rule a January move away from Real Valladolid, in a major blow to Gunners boss Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal have been tracking the 18-year-old right-back throughout the transfer window, and, as per the Daily Mail, matched a £13 million bid from Borussia Dortmund to sign him after speaking with the player's representatives.

Fresneda already has 10 La Liga appearances under his belt this season, and is seen as one of Spain's top young prospects.

Fabrizio Romano claimed it would be up to the player on whether to move to Germany or England, with both clubs reportedly keen to loan him back to Valladolid until the end of the season to continue his development in a top-tier league.

But Spanish reporter Chus Rodriguez claimed on Sunday that the player was unlikely to move clubs this month, barring a major twist in the final days of the window.

That twist does not appear to have happened yet - and the player himself has confirmed his intentions.

Arsenal target Fresneda 'rules out January move'

The 18-year-old wonderkid was not included in Valladolid's squad to take on Valencia at the weekend, sparking rumours that a deal had been agreed with Arsenal or Dortmund.

But that was not the case, with the Spaniard missing out due to injury.

He was at his club's home ground during the game, and stopped outside afterwards to sign autographs for fans.

During the signings, he was said to have been asked by fans whether he was leaving Valladolid. As per the London Evening Standard, he replied: "No, I'm not leaving, calm down."

Following those comments, Romano reported that the right-back is set to remain in Spain, putting paid to any attempts by Arsenal to sign him at present.

But there remains the possibility that he could leave should the Gunners convince the player otherwise, but with the final day of the window now here, they will have to act quickly.