"But the priority is working with the players that we have at the moment and tomorrow night, which is a big night for us. It's not a yes, it's not a no."
A potential transfer opportunity for Arteta and Ayto comes in the form of Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, who has just 18 months left on his Camp Nou contract.
Spanish media outlets have reported that Araujo's Barcelona departure cannot be ruled out in January, as the Uruguay international and his club are yet to make any headway in regard to agreeing fresh terms.
Arsenal could make imminent bid for Ronald Araujo after contact
Mundo Deportivo reported earlier this week that Arsenal want to sign Araujo immediately and are prepared to make an offer, and this is backed up by journalist Rudy Galetti in an update for TEAMtalk.
Galetti's sources state that Arteta's side have been in contact with Barca over a mid-season transfer and reached out to them days ago.
Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo.
As per his information, Arsenal making a bid for Araujo is a "real and imminent possibility", and work is well underway to tempt the South American with a move to England.
However, they face stiff competition from Serie A heavyweights Juventus, who have identified Araujo as a key transfer target to replace the injured Gleison Bremer. Barca reportedly value him at around £42 million, but the centre-back is tempted by a move to the Premier League and open to leaving.
Despite only just returning from a hamstring injury and still waiting for his first La Liga appearance of the season, Hansi Flick has singled Araujo out as a "real leader" of the squad.
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