Pablo Mari will bring Arsenal a wealth of ‘defensive quality’ following his move to the Emirates, former Gunners midfielder Edu believes. The centre-back completed his loan move from Flamengo to the Emirates on Wednesday afternoon.
The 26-year-old will stay with the Gunners until the end of the season, with the north Londoners having the option to acquire his services permanently in the summer.
Edu, Arsenal’s technical director, is excited by the addition of Mari to the Arsenal squad and believes the defender will alleviate the club's current defensive woes.
He said: “Pablo is an experienced player who will provide us with additional defensive quality.
“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.
Pablo Mari has joined Arsenal on loan (Image: GETTY)
Arsenal also the option to sign Pablo Mari permanently in the summer (Image: GETTY)
Pablo is an experienced player who will provide us with additional defensive quality
Edu on Pablo Mari
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“Together with Mikel and his coaching team, we are all looking forward to seeing Pablo in an Arsenal shirt.”
Mari is the first signing of the Mikel Arteta era at Arsenal, which began last December following Unai Emery’s dismissal as manager.
It’s been reported Arteta is keen to bring in at least one more new face before the closure of the transfer window on Friday.
Arsenal are currently short on centre-backs due to knee and ankle injuries to Calum Chambers and Shkodran Mustafi.