Arsenal have been given bad news in their long-running pursuit for Sporting’s William Carvalho, with president Bruno de Carvalho ruling out a move for the midfielder.

According to Portuguese sports newspaper Record, the Gunners and West Ham United have both been told to “forget it”, as links re-emerge of their interest in the 25-year-old.

“Forget [it]. He is not transferable in January. If one day he leaves, wherever it is, we must ensure that the footballing aspect of the decision is not called into question,” said de Carvalho.

It’s bad news for both London clubs, and now means Arsenal will have to turn their attentions elsewhere this month.

It’s unknown exactly what area Arsene Wenger is looking to strengthen in the winter transfer window, but he did recently admit the club were hopeful of making movements in January.

Carvalho was reportedly keep to move on from Sporting months previously, so he may well take this ‘hands off’ warning from the club badly.

Arsenal have been linked with other midfielders, such as Sevilla’s Steve N’Zonzi, but there may be question marks about his attitude, given so many other big clubs aren’t keen on signing him this month.

But with Mohamed Elneny and Francis Coquelin, who have hardly featured this season, being the cover options in the midfield, Wenger needs to add more quality in the next two windows.

It won’t be the last we hear about Arsenal and West Ham’s pursuit for Carvalho, but the latest comments from de Carvalho suggest no deal will be agreed mid-season.