Report: Arsenal agree deal to sign Flamengo defender Pablo Mari

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Arsenal have agreed on a loan-to-buy deal with Flamengo for the services of defender Pablo Mari, according to Brazilian outlet Globo.

The Gunners will pay £4.2 million to take the centre-back on loan for the rest of the season.

Following his loan spell, the club will hold an option to make the deal permanent, although the amount is confidential, according to the report.

Arsenal had agreed to pay £7.5 million to sign the 26-year-old last week but pulled out of a permanent deal.

The Gunners were thought to have a desire to loan the player first, rather than jump straight in with a permanent deal.

A compromise now seems to have been struck to see Arsenal add Mari before Friday’s transfer deadline.

Mikel Arteta will welcome another addition to his defensive ranks.

Arsenal’s defending has been comical at times this season and he will hope Mari can help improve that aspect.

The Spanish defender did have a spell at Manchester City but failed to make an appearance under Pep Guardiola.

In 22 games with Flamengo last season, he had a pass success ratio of 87.8%, proving his composure as a ball-playing central defender (Who Scored).

TBR View – Mari could be perfect for Arsenal under Arteta

Various players have come out and spoken about Arsenal boss Arteta wanting to restore the passing philosophy at the club.

In certain games under the former Manchester City assistant, the Gunners have shown glimpses of doing just that.

It will take time to master, however, whilst the boss will also need certain players.

Mari could be an ideal player to assist with the possession-based philosophy, given his decent passing statistics last season.

The defender has experience of playing in Europe with Deportivo La Coruna, NAC Breda, Girona and Real Mallorca.

Time will tell, but Arsenal might have signed a really shrewd player in Mari.