Arsenal Complete Loan Signing Of Pablo Mari From Flamengo

Arsenal have finalized the signing of Spanish defender Pablo Mari from Flamengo, the club announced on Wednesday afternoon.

The 26-year-old joined Flamengo from Machester City in the summer of 2019 but will now head back to England after the Gunners paid an initial fee of around £4.25 million, with the option to sign the center-back permanently in the summer, to secure his services.

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Mari touched down in England with Arsenal technical director Edu at the weekend to iron out the final details of his move but had to return to Brazil after a breakdown in negotiations.

However, the Gunners continued to pursue a deal and made a significant breakthrough in talks with Flamengo at the start of the week.

Mari was granted permission to return to London and finalize his switch to the Emirates and could be in line to make his debut this weekend when Arsenal visit Turf Moor to face Burnley.

The Gunners are currently without Calum Chambers while he recovers from a serious knee injury, and Shkodran Mustafi is likely to be out for a couple of weeks after sustaining a sprained ankle during Monday's FA Cup win over Bournemouth.

Mikel Arteta now has an extra option to consider at the back, with Mari joining David Luiz, Sokratis and Rob Holding in his defensive ranks.

Mari spent three years at Manchester City before joining Flamengo in 2019, but failed to make a single senior appearance for the reigning Premier League champions.

He reached his best form to date in Brazil, helping Jorge Jesus's side win the Copa Libertadores while also featuring in the Club World Cup where he impressed in matches against Ah Hilal and eventual Champions, Liverpool FC.