Nikolai Matviyenko: Arsenal agree late transfer deal with defender- Nikolai Matviyenko has emerged a late January transfer target for Arsenal - Arsenal are looking on the way of the defender after Pablo Mari's deal hit rock - The Emirates side is in desperate need of surplus alternatives with Shkodran Mustafi injured Arsenal have reportedly agreed to a deal that will see Shakhtar Donetsk defender Nikolai Matviyenko switch side to the Premier League outfit as Pablo Mari's transfer deal continues to hang in uncertainty. The North London side has been linked with Mari move who was lined up as a replacement for under-performing Calum Chambers and Shkodran Mustafi. The Spanish centre-back, who joined Brazilian top side Flamengo from Manchester City, had earlier confirmed he would be joining Arsenal in days coming. Mari completed his medical on Saturday, January 25, but the emerging report claims the deal may hit the rock with less than four days to the end of the January transfer. Read also Jose Mourinho makes stunning statement about Lampard after win against Wolves The defender has now flown back to Brazil after Arsenal showed lack of commitment toward £7million transfer fee, with the EPL side reportedly making a U-turn towards the direction Shakhtar Donetsk star. According to report in UK Sun, the Emirates outfits have agreed to a deal that will see the defender move to England before the January market closes, though they are also keen on signing Mari should Flamengo assent to the fee. Arsenal have been short of options at the back with Mustafi limped off with suspected ankle ligament damage during FA Cup win over Bournemouth. Arteta is said to be worried about the current situation, and he vehemently spoke about the challenges faced by Gunners as regards bringing new alternatives to the club. “We have a very clear intention of what we want to do in the transfer market with the resources we have," the Gunners boss said. Read also Kieran Trippier joins Atletico Madrid: everything you need to know about the star “If we can do a deal for Mari, fine. But Mustafi’s fitness won’t change anything.” PAY ATTENTION: Become a member of the leading sports Facebook group 'Naija Football Fan Zone Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that Chelsea outcast, Olivier Giroud, has reportedly emerged a transfer target for Tottenham as the North London side is desperately in need of a potential temporary replacement for injured Harry Kane. Kane got injured and has been officially ruled out of action till April. He was lined up for action during Spurs' 1-0 Premier League defeat to Southampton at St Mary but was immediately subbed after being hit with a hamstring injury. Nigerians react to Anthony Joshua’s win over Ruiz, tip him to crush Wilder, Fury | Legit TV Source: Legit.ng - Nikolai Matviyenko has emerged a late January transfer target for Arsenal - Arsenal are looking on the way of the defender after Pablo Mari's deal hit rock - The Emirates side is in desperate need of surplus alternatives with Shkodran Mustafi injured PAY ATTENTION: Legit.ng Nigerians react to Anthony Joshua’s win over Ruiz, tip him to crush Wilder, Fury