Arsenal have deal in place to sign £17m star, move hinges on this one issue

The January transfer window is in full swing and managers are working hard on strengthening their squads and identifying targets for the summer so we’ll keep you up-to-date with the latest rumours. Today, Arsenal are in talks to sign Christopher Nkunku…

Arsenal are in talks to sign Christopher Nkunku on loan with a view to a £17m permanent deal but Paris Saint-Germain want to secure a replacement before letting him leave, according to reports in France via the Metro.

Unai Emery is looking to bring in at least one new player before the window slams shut next week after seeing his squad torn apart by three serious injuries while Aaron Ramsey also continues to be linked with a move to Juventus this month.

The Gunners boss confirmed two weeks ago that he was having to scour the loan market as there is no money available to make permanent signings until the summer, which has made finding top class players extremely difficult.

Reports on Thursday emerged claiming that Arsenal are in talks with PSG about signing Nkunku after struggling to agree terms with Barcelona over an initial loan deal for Denis Suarez – who’s been strongly linked with a move to the Emirates.

The Metro are now citing L’Equipe as saying PSG boss Thomas Tuchel has given the green light for Nkunku to join Arsenal on loan as long as he can secure at least one, ideally two, new midfielders before the end of the month.

PSG have been light in midfield all season after Adrien Rabiot was frozen out of the squad for expressing his desire to leave so Tuchel doesn’t want to see his options reduced further by allowing Nkunku to go without reinforcements being brought in.

The French outlet says Arsenal have a deal in place to sign the 21-year-old on an initial six-month loan with the option to make the move permanent for £17m in the summer, but the deal will only go through as long as PSG can conclude their own transfer business with Leandro Paredes, Idrissa Gueye, Renato Sanches and Allan all reported targets.

Nkunku came through the youth ranks at PSG and Emery knows him well as he gave the youngster his first team break with Nkunku featuring 20 times last season but he’s struggled to establish himself under Tuchel this campaign.

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The France Under-21 international is predominantly a box-to-box midfielder but he can play out on the wing if needed so his versatility would make him a very useful signing if he does end up joining Arsenal.