'My understanding...' - Romano reveals key Arsenal target does not want to join in big blow to Arteta

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Barcelona winger Raphinha does not want to leave the club in January amid interest from Arsenal.

The Gunners are looking for alternatives to Mykhailo Mudryk, who joined Chelsea last week.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has spoken of the need to be 'active' in the current transfer window, and the Gunners made three bids to sign Mudryk from Shakhtar.

However, it was Chelsea who got a deal done in the end, with the 22-year-old joining Stamford Bridge on a eight-and-a-half year contract.

Since then, Arsenal have been linked with a move for several wingers, including Brighton star Leandro Trossard. The Gunners can pick up the Belgian international for a fee of £25 million, according to talkSPORT, which would represent a far cheaper deal than Mudryk.

Another option for the Gunners could be to go back in for Raphinha, who joined Barca from Leeds last summer. The Brazil international had interest from Arsenal and Chelsea, but opted for Camp Nou.

And according to the Daily Mail, Arteta's side are tracking the winger, who has scored three goals in 23 games for Xavi's side this term. However, a deal may be complicated to complete.

Romano on Raphinha to Arsenal

Speaking on his official YouTube channel, Romano updated Gunners supporters on the chances of signing Raphinha.

He explained: "We have many reports on Raphinha at Barcelona. But my understanding is that Raphinha wants to stay at Barcelona, at least until the end of the season.

"He had a dream of playing for Barcelona. This dream was really difficult to realise in the summer, so now Raphinha wants to stay at Barca. This is the priority of the player.

"Let's see if Arsenal will try again, but at the moment the player is very clear with this. He wants to continue at Barcelona as the priority. Nothing imminent or concrete."

It appears that Arsenal will have to explore alternative targets in January, unless they can convince the Brazilian to make a move - something they were unable to do in the summer window.