Four Arsenal players who could make transfer moves in the next three days

Arsenal chief Edu is thought to be on top of the situation with Arteta hoping they can make the right move by the player.

He told the club's official website: "We have been talking to Lucas, Edu has been very close to the situation.

"He hasn’t been playing as many minutes as he would like, as we would like, but to be fair the team is doing so well in Spain and it is understandable they don’t change the team so much.

"We just want to be right behind Lucas, protect him, help him make the right decisions for the future, so let’s see what happens.

"But we are monitoring the situation very closely."

Reiss Nelson is another man who could be heading out on loan.

The forward has not enjoyed the opportunities afforded to fellow youngsters Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe and may seek a move away.

Arteta added: "That's a conversation that we are having with the players that are not having a lot of time.

"Obviously we want to keep their development going and we will make decision in the next three days with some of them on what the best thing is to do."

Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who was linked with Wolves in the summer, is concerned that a lack of minutes may affect his England chances.

Arteta though has challenged the 23-year-old to push for more starts at the Emirates.

"Yes, it is a concern when there is international football involved as well and the chance to reach that opportunity," he claimed.

"I understand that Ainsley wants more minutes and what he needs to do is fight, train and challenge his teammates and show us that he can be one of our starters."

Defender Shkodran Mustafi, whose contract will soon expire, is someway down the pecking order.

Arteta refused to confirm what their preferred stance is regarding the German but maintained that discussions were ongoing.