Arsenal’s deal to sign Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes faces the added challenges of the quarantine measures imposed between the UK and France.
With the coronavirus still prevalent across the world, governments have imposed guidelines to protect its citizens.
And the British authorities are no different, putting restrictions on several countries.
It means Premier League clubs looking to complete deals are facing issues bringing players into the country.
Arsenal have been in a month-long battle to sign highly-rated Gabriel.
The Gunners agreed a £25million deal with Lille but the 22-year-old has taken several days to decide whether to make the move to the Emirates.
However, the Brazilian finally appears to have committed himself to Arsenal and is expected to arrive in London on Monday.
Yet, upon arrival in the UK from France, Gabriel will need to self-isolate for 14 days.
Footballers have not been given an exemption from following quarantine measures so Arsenal will face complications in finalising the deal.
The transfer is all set to go through but details such as signing contracts in front of lawyers and the announcement media are among the challenges posed.
He is certain to miss Arsenal’s Community Shield clash with Liverpool next weekend and faces a delay before he can even train with his new team-mates.
Gabriel will add to an already crowded group of defenders.
The Gunners are open to offers for Sokratis, Calum Chambers, Rob Holding and Shkodran Mustafi this summer.
Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka has paid tribute to Freddie Ljungberg after Arsenal announced he will be leaving the club.
He told Arsenal.com: “The first time I met him, of course I was quite young so I was obviously in awe of him because he was a legend for Arsenal and he played in many successful Arsenal teams.
“But as soon as we started to work with him he always gave me advice because he played in my position as well. He gave me different advice on running in behind, finishing techniques, little things that have also helped my game.
“He knows the game as much as anyone else. He’s been there and played in the Premier League for many years.
“He’s always gone out of his way to help me and push me to progress to the next level, so yeah I’m grateful for all the work he’s done and I wish him all the best wherever he goes.”