Arsenal to sign Pablo Mari on a permanent deal
Arsenal will exercise their option to sign Pablo Mari on a permanent basis from Brazilian club Flamengo, according to ColunadoFla.
The Gunners signed Mari on loan with an option to make the move permanent in January. Mari made his debut for the Gunners in the FA Cup against Portsmouth at Fratton Park. He got his first taste of Premier League football at the Emirates against West Ham United in Arsenal’s last game before the season was suspended as a result of the coronavirus.
Flamengo Vice President Marcos Braz has confirmed Mari’s permanent transfer to Arsenal. In a recent interview, the club executive said:
“The sale of Pablo Marí to Arsenal is guaranteed. We are very sorry about what happened to the athlete, but Arsenal will execute the purchase ”
Marcos Braz confirma: “A venda de Pablo Marí para o Arsenal está garantida. Lamentamos demais o ocorrido com o atleta, mas o Arsenal vai executar a compra”. #Flamengo #CRF pic.twitter.com/pJjRT8CD1q
— Paparazzo Rubro-Negro (de 🏠) (@PaparazzoRN) June 19, 2020
Mari started the match against Manchester City at the Etihad on Wednesday but succumbed to an ankle injury and had to be replaced by David Luiz. Scans have revealed that the Spanish centre back has suffered a serious ankle ligament/tendon injury that will require surgery. He will miss the remainder of the campaign.
As a result of the former Flamengo defender’s injury, there was some speculation that Arsenal would not pursue a permanent deal. This is untrue and the Gunners will sign Mari for a fee that could reach just under £14.5 million inclusive of bonuses. Flamengo have already received £4.5 million for the player’s loan to Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta is very keen on having the option of a left footed centre back in his team. It opens up new avenues and spaces for Arsenal to create meaningful attacks from the back. With Mari in the bag, the Gunners are one step closer to giving Arteta the team he needs to achieve the club’s targets.
