Arsenal have been dealt a setback in their hopes of signing Ryan Gravenberch as the central midfielder will be staying put at Bayern Munich this month.

The Lowdown: Gravenberch profiled

Gravenberch signed for Bayern from Ajax in the summer in a deal that could rise to £20m, after he helped Ajax win the Eredivisie in the 2021/2022 season, his third at the club by the age of just 20.

Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic described him as 'one of the biggest talents in Europe' upon signing him, and so it was not a surprise to see him get a move to the Bundesliga giants.

The Latest: Arsenal interest, but staying at Bayern

Taking to Twitter, transfer expert Graeme Bailey says that despite Arsenal being 'linked' with a move for Gravenberch this month, he will be staying at Bayern:

"Ryan Gravenberch will be staying at Bayern Munich this month. Arsenal and Liverpool linked, but summer signing is staying put."

The Verdict: Setback for Arteta

It is a blow for Mikel Arteta's side to lose out on a player who has so much promise in Gravenberch.

The central midfielder has struggled for regular game time at Bayern, where in his 18 appearances in all competitions, he has only started three times, with none of those coming in the Bundesliga (Transfermarkt).

There is no doubt that he has the talent though, ranking in the 94th percentile of all midfielders in Europe's top leagues for touches per game, as well as in the 92nd for shots and 90th for non-penalty xG and progressive passes received (FBRef).

Nonetheless, the Gunners will have to focus on other targets, with both Ruben Neves and Youri Tielemans still thought to be on their list.