ARSENAL have been dealt a blow in their bid to sign Paris Saint-Germain left-back Layvin Kurzawa as Thomas Tuchel is unwilling to sell.
The PSG boss said he “needs the defender” which could put a dent in the Gunners’ plans.
Just four days ago, the North Londoners were lining up a 6million deal to bring him to the Emirates this month.
Arsenal were initially looking to sign the 27-year-old French international as a free agent in the summer when his contract with the French champions expires.
But they had accelerated those plans after struggling to cope without the injured Kieran Tierney and Sead Kolasinac.
Alternate reports yesterday claimed the Gunners had been forced into waiting until the summer.
But after Tuchel was quizzed by reporters on the rumours, his answer may have put a stop to any move at any time.
The German said: “I haven’t spoken with Layvin or anyone else about his departure this winter.
Layvin is number two behind [Juan] Bernat in the left-back position.
“We need him and Layvin will play tomorrow (Sunday) against Lorient.
He has played well recently.
Arsenal’s left-back problems started when Tierney, a 25m summer signing from Celtic, managed just nine games before being ruled out for at least three months by a persistent shoulder problem.
And Kolasinac is now struggling with a thigh strain after recently returning from an ankle injury.
Kurzawa, who costPSG20m when they bought him from Monaco in 2015, was originally recommended to Arsenal by former manager Unai Emery.
