Mid-table Arsenal have completed the signing of former Manchester City centre-back Pablo Mari. He arrives from Brazillian giants Flamengo after becoming the first Spanish player to win the Copa Libertadores. He has joined the club on loan for six months with an option to buy at the end of the season.
The Gunners had been looking for defensive reassurance after the season-ending injury for Calum Chambers not too long ago. Consequently, they had to act fast, with the transfer window ending in less than a week.
Now that the Spaniard has arrived, will he prove to be a good signing for Arsenal?
Pablo Mari Signs for Arsenal
Pre-Gunner Tenures
Back in 2016, the Spanish defender joined Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. However, Mari never played a single game for the centurions.
He was sent out on three separate loan spells. He then joined Flamengo last year and has shone in Brazil. Many voted him to be the league’s best defender. This gives fans something exciting to look forward to following his arrival.
His Arrival Was Imminent
On 25 January, Pablo Mari was spotted in an airport in England with Edu Gaspar. With this, Charles Watts on Twitter posted: “Pablo Mari has just arrived at Heathrow with Edu and he tells me he is excited to be joining Arsenal.”
A medical was done soon after and he has now been announced as an Arsenal player.
What Does Pablo Mari Bring to Arsenal’s Defense?
The defensive side of Arsenal has been shaky, to say the least. The likes of mistake-ridden Shkodran Mustafi has left fans rioting. Week after week, the fans have been crying out for a new centre-back. Arsenal have that man now.
He brings height, strength, and proven skills to the table. Consequently, he will definitely have Sokratis and David Luiz looking over their shoulders.
Arsenal face Burnley on Sunday, February 2. Mari could potentially make his Premier League debut.
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