Pablo Mari's first words about Arsenal transfer after arriving in London with Edu
Pablo Mari confirmed he is set to join Arsenal after arriving in London with the club's technical director Edu.
Standard Sport understands that Mari will become Mikel Arteta's first signing as Arsenal head coach, with the 26-year-old defender set to join from Brazilian club Flamengo on loan with a view to a permanent deal.
Arriving at Heathrow Airport on Saturday lunchtime with Edu, Mari was asked by Goal if he was excited about signing for Arsenal - to which the defender replied: "Yeah of course."
While Arsenal have considered a number of defensive targets this month with Calum Chambers injured for the rest of the season, and Arteta has now decided on Mari.
The defender was signed by Manchester City in 2016, but spent three years out on loan before joining Flamengo last year.
He shone in BrazIl, winning the league title and Copa Libertadores. Victory in the latter tournament earned Flamengo a Fifa Club World Cup spot, where they were narrowly beaten in the final by Liverpool after extra time.
Arsenal had been interested in Dayot Upamecano, but RB Leipzig's £70million asking price put him well out of Arsenal's reach.
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