Arsene Wenger could make a surprise deadline day move for Uruguayan full back Alvaro Pereira after a thigh strain ruled Kieron Gibbs out for three weeks, the Telegraph report.

Gibbs picked up the injury during the 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Wednesday and looks set to be sidelined until the end of February leaving Andre Santos as the only fit and available left back at the Emirates Stadium.

The Brazilian has looked defensively suspect when called upon this season and that could force Wenger into the market for a specialist before the transfer deadline closes at 11pm, joking that he needs the window extended by an extra week.

"Gibbs has a thigh strain and that rules him out for the next three weeks – it is a big blow for us,” the Frenchman said.

"I’ll see what I can do. Gibbs was a big player for us going forward and in the game we want to play. I cannot promise you any transfers. We work on it.

"We want an official extension of the window for one week.”

Reports are now suggesting the Gunners boss is eyeing up Inter Milan's Pereira, formerly a target for Chelsea, after being priced out of moves for Southampton’s Luke Shaw and Everton’s Leighton Baines this month.

The 27-year-old has struggled at the San Siro since arriving from Porto for £8million last August and Wenger will have to fend off interest from North London rivals Tottenham.

Make sure you do your Tax Return before the 31st January, click here now

[cat_link cat="arsenal" type="grid"]