Arsenal's deal for Flamengo defender Pablo Mari is in doubt with the player heading back to Brazil.
Mari arrived in London on Saturday for his medical after Arsenal technical director Edu Gaspar had agreed a deal with Flamengo to sign him on loan with view to a £7.5m transfer.
Edu had travelled with Mari on his flight to Heathrow and did not anticipate any problems.
Arsenal sources say Mari, 26, a former Manchester City centre back, had his medical and was set to sign with friends even congratulating him on his move but a late hitch has seen negotiations stall at the final stage.
A disappointed Mari is now heading back to Rio de Janeiro with Arsenal having to consider new targets.
Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta is preparing his squad to face Bournemouth in the FA Cup tonight but was hopeful of getting much needed reinforcements for his defence.
Source: m.allfootballapp.com