‘He’s very complete’, Brazilian legend raves about 26-year-old Arsenal star

Brazilian legend Rivaldo believes Pablo Mari will prove a successful signing for Arsenal under Mikel Arteta after making a name for himself with Flamengo.

The 26-year-old’s loan move to the Gunners came as a surprise during the closing stages of the winter transfer window, given there was no speculation linking the club with his services.

Speaking to Standard Sport, Rivaldo has described Mari as a defender, who is ‘very complete’ and believes he would suit the Gunners with his good distribution from the back while offering a threat on set pieces.

“I think Pablo Mari will fit in very well at Arsenal and in the Premier League. He is very complete as a defender – capable of bringing the ball forward when necessary and a threat on set pieces. In Brazil, everyone has good opinion about him, and he could be a very successful option for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta,” he told.

Mari was previously contracted to Manchester City for three years between 2016 and 2019, but he failed to make a single appearance for them as he was loaned out to the likes of Girona, NAC Breda and Deportivo La Coruna.

He only made the permanent switch to Flamengo during the summer of 2019 and was able to impress during the backend of their season as they won the Serie and Copa Libertadores titles.

The 26-year-old has recently been involved in regular training in Dubai alongside his teammates and he could make his debut shortly after the Gunners return from the winter break.

Arsenal are scheduled to host Newcastle United in the Premier League on Sunday and Mari could make the matchday squad, provided he has been able to meet the fitness demands of the manager by then.