Arsenal target Pablo Mari trains with Flamengo in 2019
Arsenal target Pablo Mari has arrived at Heathrow Airport ahead of completing a move to the Emirates this month and is excited to be joining the north London club. Reports emerged late on Friday that Mari had agreed a switch to Arsenal from Brazilian side Flamengo. And now the centre-back has landed in London ahead of his medical, which is set to take place this weekend.
Arsenal transfer news: Pablo Mario has arrived in London (Image: GOAL)
The 26-year-old never made an appearance for City and spent his three seasons at the club out on loan at Girona, NAC Breda and Deportivo La Coruna respectively.
However, he clearly made an impression on Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta who was Pep Guardiola’s assistant at City before becoming Gunners boss in December.
Mari has made 22 league appearances for Flamengo this season, scoring two goals.
He impressed in the Club World Cup final against Liverpool in December, where the Reds eventually ran out 1-0 winners in extra time.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Arteta confirmed at his press conference on Friday that he was still interested in signing a defender this month.
Arsenal are set to be without Calum Chambers for the majority of 2020 after he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
“We've been looking at different positions,” Arteta said.
“Obviously, since I joined we lost Calum and we had other circumstances and injuries in those positions so it's true that at the back we've been short.
Arsenal transfer news: Pablo Mari says he is excited to be joining Arsenal (Image: GOAL)