Rio Ferdinand urges Arsenal to pay permanent fee for Pablo Mari, rather than loan him

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Rio Ferdinand has told BT Sport’s coverage of Arsenal’s 2-1 win over AFC Bournemouth on Monday night in the fourth round of the FA Cup that The Gunners need to pay the required fee to sign Flamengo defender Pablo Mari – rather than loaning him.

First-half goals from young attackers Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah saw Arsenal progress into the fifth round of the competition – though the Gunners did have to hold on towards the end following Sam Surridge’s late effort.

During the second 45, Shkodran Mustafi was stretchered off the pitch – leaving Mikel Arteta even lighter at centre-back. Sky Sports have claimed that a move to sign 26-year-old Mari hangs in the balance, as Arsenal look to sign him on loan.

The Mail claim Mari is worth just £7.5million and asked about the former Manchester City star’s move to north London, Ferdinand believes Arsenal should pay the required sum rather than a loan – and place their faith in the Spanish defender.

“If that’s the player [Mari] that Mikel Arteta wants and he thinks he [Mari] can come in and shore up the defence, then yes they need to pay the money and get him in,” Ferdinand said, when asked if they should sign him permanently, instead of a loan.

TBR’s view – Ferdinand has a point, Arsenal hardly breaking the bank

The Gunners have plenty of cash stored away for a rainy day and they can certainly afford a fee of just £7.5million. Signing Mari on an initial loan shows the Gunners are not fully convinced about the defender, instantly filling with Mari doubt.

Landing him permanently and spending the required sum to land his services will give Mari a sense of belonging at Arsenal – and give him the best chance of finally solving the Gunners’ defensive problems.