It’s official: Arsenal have completed their first transfer under the Mikel Arteta era, with the Gunners announcing the signing of Pablo Mari from Flamengo.
Despite this move having just been confirmed, this will come as little surprise to fans of the north London giants. The club have been linked with the Spanish center-back and the defender was even pictured arriving in England alongside Edu for a medical a few days back.
A disagreement over the terms saw the deal stumble, with the 26-year-old being recalled back to Brazil. However, a breakthrough was eventually made, leading to today’s confirmation.
Welcome to London. Welcome to Arsenal.@PabloMV5 is coming to the capital! pic.twitter.com/X07dtNeG5Y
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 29, 2020
Mari joins the Gunners on loan with the option to buy next summer. This comes after a successful spell in Brazil, helping Flamengo win the Copa Libertadores and Brazilian top-flight title.
The club posted a farewell video on Twitter, thanking him for his contribution to the double they achieved last season. Arsenal, meanwhile, posted an official statement welcoming him to the Emirates Stadium.
Chegou a hora de nos despedirmos desse zagueiro que chegou ao Flamengo para deixar a sua marca na nossa história com os títulos da Conmebol Libertadores e do Campeonato Brasileiro. Pablo Marí, obrigado por tudo. #CRF pic.twitter.com/z5skwsimzO
— Flamengo (@Flamengo) January 29, 2020
“Pablo is an experienced player who will provide us with additional defensive quality,” Arsenal technical director Edu said on the club’s official website.
“We have been monitoring Pablo’s career for a while and we are very pleased to have reached agreement with Flamengo for him to join us initially until the end of our season.
“Together with Mikel and his coaching team, we are all looking forward to seeing Pablo in an Arsenal shirt.”
Mari’s addition will be a welcomed one. While he is not the blockbuster signing at the back Gooners have been craving for, he is a center-back with potential that could help alleviate their current crisis.
The north London giants have improved defensively since Arteta’s arrival. However, with the injuries to Chambers and most recently Mustafi, Arsenal are short in numbers in one of the most crucial positions in football.
