Time is ticking for Arsenal to makes moves in the January transfer window.
The Gunners have been on the hunt for new central defender since the beginning of the month, with head coach Mikel Arteta admitting that Calum Chambers' injury has left his side short at the back.
And following Shkodran Mustafi picking up a serious looking injury in the FA Cup win over Bournemouth on Monday night, the north London outfit are down to three fit senior central defenders.
A host of names have been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, including Bayern Munich's Jerome Boateng, RB Leipzig's Dayot Upamecano and Manchester City's John Stones.
But the latest is Shakhtar Donetsk centre-back Mykola Matviyenko. The Ukrainian international impressed with his performances in the Champions League this season and has also been linked with a move to Manchester City.
With that in mind, here is all the latest news surrounding the defender's link to Arsenal.
Instagram hint
Amid the speculation surrounding a move to Arsenal, Mykola Matviyenko has seemingly endorsed the idea.
The defender 'liked' several Instagram images which reported a potential switch to north London.
Agent claims talks
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.
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."
What Arteta has said
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."
Update on alternative targets
football.london understands Dayot Upamecano of RB Leipzig is still top of Arsenal's wish list and could be available for a reduced fee when his contract enters its final 12 months this summer.
The Gunners were linked with Bayern Munich centre-back Jerome Boateng but doubts over his injury record and struggles for form in recent years have held them back from moving for the 31-year-old.
Loan offer
Sky Sports have reported that it will cost Arsenal £30m to sign Matviyenko this month.
In an attempt to reach an compromise, the Gunners have reportedly made a bid that would eventually see Shakhtar receive close to that asking price.
Zbirna claim the north London outfit have offered £4.5m to sign the defender on loan which would be made permanent in the summer transfer window for £22m.
Pablo Mari deal
Arsenal's interest in Matviyenko appeared to have cooled amid interest in Flamengo's Pablo Mari.
Football.london understands the Gunners are working on a deal for the centre-back as they look to strengthen in defence.
The Gunners are looking to bring in Mari on loan with an option to make the deal permanent in the summer.
And despite talk of the loan deal being at risk of collapsing, football.london understands the Gunners' pursuit of Mari is still ongoing and that the plan had always been for him to go back to Rio de Janeiro.
Arsenal to make decision
The latest rumour is that the Gunners are yet to decide between Mari and Matviyenko.
In fact, Zbirna are reporting that an agreement has been reached with Shakhtar Donetsk for the transfer of the latter before deadline day this week.
