Mikel Arteta is frantically seeking to bolster his squad before the end of the month in order to increase Arsenal’s chances of qualifying for Europe, and the need for reinforcements was evident during Sunday’s dismal 0-0 stalemate with Burnley.

According to 90min, Arsenal and Arthur have reached terms on a £140,000-a-week loan contract as the Gunners draw in on a deal to sign the midfielder on loan from Juventus.

Arteta has made bringing in a central midfielder a priority after the Gunners were left without options while Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka were suspended, while Mo Elneny is also away at the African Cup of Nations.

In recent weeks, Arthur has emerged as a major target, and according to 90min, the South American has reached an agreement with Arsenal, with the Premier League giants agreeing to cover the whole sum of his £140,000-a-week [€168k] salaries.

The only thing left is to reach an agreement with Juventus. Arsenal’s initial offer was to sign Arthur on a six-month loan, but the Serie A club demanded an 18-month deal with an option to buy.

Arsenal has agreed to sign Arthur on an 18-month loan, according to Tuttosport via TeamTalk, and is now putting the finishing touches on the agreement with Juventus.