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Arsenal face a big obstacle in their pursuit of Marseille winger Igor Paixao, according to reports.

TEAMtalk claim that the Gunners have “made enquiries” about the Brazilian, who has scored 12 goals and provided 8 assists in 43 appearances since his arrival at the Stade Velodrome last year.

However, Marseille are very reluctant to let Paixao go, with their head coach, Bruno Genesio, having reportedly told the club that he will “consider his own position” if the sale is sanctioned before the transfer window closes.

Genesio sees the forward as a vital member of the first-team squad, and he has communicated this to Marseille’s key decision-makers.

Paixao is in high demand

Arsenal are not the only Premier League club who have shown interest in the 26-year-old. Aston Villa have made similar enquiries, while Sunderland are believed to have had more than one bid for the player turned down.

As things stand, there is no indication that Paixao is agitating for a move away from Marseille. He only made the €30m switch from Feyenoord in August last summer, so he may not be actively seeking another transfer now.

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Arsenal want to recruit a forward ASAP

It seems like sporting director Andrea Berta is looking at several options as he seeks to bring in reinforcements for the front line before Deadline Day.

In addition to Paixao, the Premier League champions have also been linked with a bid for Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye. Both wingers would be seen as replacements for Gabriel Martinelli, who is poised to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal for €65m (£55.7m).

A deal for Julian Alvarez is also still being explored, despite the fact that he is a striker rather than a wide player, but manager Mikel Arteta is said to be pretty open in terms of how the attack is strengthened.