Arsenal transfer news: Gunners set to announce first signing under Mikel Arteta with the transfer nearly completed.
Arsenal are set to welcome Pablo Mari to their fold with the 26-year old arriving at London for a medical on Saturday according to Sky Sports. The Spaniard will join the Gunners on loan until the end of the season, after which the club will retain the option to purchase the player.
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Pablo Mari will be Mikel Arteta’s first signing since joining Arsenal as their new manager at the end of December and will hope that he can help turn their defence around. The Gunners are short on quality and quantity at the back after Calum Chambers’ season ending injury.
A hero’s return to the Premier League for Pablo Mari
This isn’t Pablo Mari’s first stint in the Premier League. He initially signed a contract with Manchester City and stayed in their books until 2019. However, all three of his seasons with the club was spent on loan before he finally moved to Flamengo on a permanent deal last summer.
Mari became an instant hero in Brazil for his new club when he helped them win the Copa Libertadores after 38 years. In the process, he became the first Spaniard ever to win the famous competition. He also helped his club lift the Serie A title for the first time since 2009.
Mikel Arteta will hope that he can bring in the same demeanour and determination to his side that is struggling in the back at the moment. However, it certainly won’t be easy for Mari who will have to learn to cope with the pace of the Premier League mid-season.
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