Arsenal are on the verge of signing central defender Pablo Mari from Flamengo

Arsenal are set to make their first signing this transfer window, and the primary one for Manager Mikel Arteta. Pablo Mari is ready to sign up for Arsenal from Brazilian club, Flamengo for around £8 Million.

Pablo Mari, 26, is a former Manchester City defender who joined Flamengo in July last year. Pablo Mari never played for Manchester City in the Premier League as he was loaned to Girona, NAC and Deportivo La Coruna in recent seasons.

Pablo Mari was photographed with Edu, Arsenal’s technical director, at Rio de Janeiro airport on friday night ahead of his flight to London. Pablo Mari is 6ft 3in tall and will provide Mikel Arteta with a left-footed option at centre-back. 

NEW: "A mutual friend has received a text message from Pablo Mari" confirming his departure from Flamengo, @PaparazzoRN reports. — Arsènic™ (@MrArsenicTM) January 25, 2020

ICYMI: Edu was spotted with Pablo Mari at the Airport last night. They are most likely on BA248 flight which is due to land in the UK around 12pm. pic.twitter.com/B3NamDiEiA — Arsènic™ (@MrArsenicTM) January 25, 2020

Pablo Mari has just arrived at Heathrow with Edu and he tell me he is excited to be joining Arsenal.

Medical to take place this weekend. pic.twitter.com/6VY1RM3wJL — Charles Watts (@charles_watts) January 25, 2020

Pablo Mari shone in Brazil and is now ready to return to Europe by joining Arsenal.