Shakhtar Donetsk centre-back Mykola Matviyenko has seemingly endorsed a move to Arsenal in the January transfer window.
The defender's representatives claim that the Gunners are currently in negotiations over a potential switch this month, with the north London side targeting central defensive reinforcements.
Arsenal have been linked with Bayern Munich's Jerome Boateng and are thought to retain an interest in RB Leipzig's Dayot Upamecano.
But a move for the French defender could be put on hold until the summer, when he could be available for a reduced fee when his contract enters its final 12 months.
In the meantime, Shakhtar's Matviyenko has emerged as an alternative option, after impressing in the Champions League against Manchester City this season.
Matviyenko's agent Yuriy Danchenko told Ukrainian media: "My colleagues and I have been constantly in contact with representatives of the Arsenal, and have meetings.
"The Gunners' hierarchy have already contacted [Shakhtar], and we hope that these negotiations will succeed."
The 23-year-old Ukraine international has also appeared to drop a hint on social media, by 'liking' several Instagram images about a potential move to Arsenal.
On one picture, the caption translates to: 'Arsenal wants to carry out a transaction to buy Matviyenko by February 1st'.
Speaking before the Gunners' 2-2 draw at Chelsea, head coach Mikel Arteta was asked for an update on the search for a new central defender.
"Things haven't moved at all since the weekend," he told reporters.
"There is nothing new to say on any individual players and when we have more info we'll let you know."
