English giants, Arsenal are reportedly closing in on Spanish defender Pablo Mari from Brazilian side, from Flamengo, a few months after he joined the side.
Arsenal’s new boss Mikel Arteta is keen on beefing up his backline that has been one of the team’s main areas of concern in recent years. The Gunners had earlier been linked with a loan move for Manchester City’s John Stones but their attempts were rebuffed by the Citizens.
The Spanish tactician has now shifted focus to his compatriot whom he was with at Manchester City as an assistant coach. Mari was in City’s books between 2016 and 2019 but didn’t play for the club even once as he was loaned out to Girona, NAC, and Deportivo La Coruna before he was shipped out permanently last summer.
According to reports in Brazil, the Center-back will move to the Emirates on a loan deal until the end of the season with an option of signing for the club permanently should he impress during his temporary stay at the Emirates.
With David Luiz suspended after picking a red card against Chelsea and Mustafi enduring a difficult spell, Mari may be thrown into the deep end as soon as he signs for the club.
Meanwhile, the club has also been linked with a move for out-of-favor Atletico Madrid forward Thomas Lemar. The France international has endured a torrid time in Madrid failing to hit the heights that saw him become one of the most sought –after player in 2018.