Pablo Mari was reportedly cheaper for Arsenal than first thought

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal supposedly landed central defender Pablo Mari for much cheaper than was first claimed.

It was thought Mari completed a permanent move to the Emirates Stadium earlier this year for around £14 million (Daily Mail and Coluna Do Fla), which was a fee that raised eyebrows given how little football he played.

But a Brazilian publication has now claimed Flamengo’s balance sheet shows the deal to be worth just €4 million/ £3.6 million.

Mari has made just three appearances for Arsenal’s first-team since arriving on an initial loan.

The star has struggled with injury, and is yet to make an appearance in 2020/21.

Supposedly though, the Spaniard is now close to a return, and his availability will be a welcome boost for Mikel Arteta, who has lost David Luiz to injury for the time being.

TBR’s View – Great business by Arsenal

If this new claim is to be believed, then Arsenal have done some great business.

£14 million certainly seemed a lot of money to fork out for someone who had made just three appearances.

The idea he could have cost around £10 million less than that will please a lot of supporters, many of whom believed the club had overpaid.

It’s up to Mari now to make an impact for the Gunners and prove that the £3.6 million figure is the embarrassingly cheap it seems.