Arsenal don’t want to sign Christian Eriksen or Isco on loan in the current January transfer window, according to David Ornstein.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - JUNE 28: Isco of Real Madrid CF runs with the ball during the Liga match between RCD Espanyol and Real Madrid CF at RCDE Stadium on June 28, 2020 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN: Isco of Real Madrid CF runs with the ball during the Liga match between RCD Espanyol and Real Madrid CF at RCDE Stadium on June 28, 2020. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

It seems like Arsenal are on the market for a top creative midfield option, if one is available in the January transfer window. David Ornstein confirms as much in his most recent Ask Ornstein podcast for The Athletic.

Among many others, two players linked with Arsenal in recent weeks are Inter Milan’s Christian Eriksen and Real Madrid’s Isco. However, Ornstein reports that neither of those transfers are likely to happen.

“I’ve consistently been told that Arsenal do not want to sign [Christian Eriksen],” Ornstein said. “It’s not the age profile that they’re looking for.

“Isco is a player who there have been many reports about and I understand that Mikel Arteta is not inclined to pursue that one.”

For many Arsenal fans, this will probably be viewed as good news. Not because Eriksen or Isco couldn’t possibly help the team right now, but because it seemingly confirms the club are on the lookout for a long-term solution to their creative problem.

There were fears that the Gunners might bring in someone like Eriksen on a five-year deal and end up struggling to move him on halfway through that contract. With Mesut Özil’s ongoing situation, you can understand why some feel that way.

Instead, it looks like Arsenal are trying to make a signing for the future who can take them forward now and in seasons to come. Whether that’s possible in January is another matter, and we may just have to be patient until the summer.