The vice president of Brazilian giants Flamengo has announced that Arsenal loanee Pablo Mari has in fact already been sold on a permanent basis.
Spanish stopper Mari made the move to north London this past January, on loan for the remainder of the season.
The Gunners brought the 26-year-old in to add some much-needed fresh blood to the centre of the club’s defence, amid the persistently shaky showings of the likes of David Luiz and Shkodran Mustafi.
Mari’s arrival came fresh off the back of a stellar debut campaign with Flamengo, during which the former Manchester City man was named the best defender in Brazil.
Arsenal wanted a left-sided centre-back this month and they’ve bagged the one named best defender in Brazil last season.
A closer look at Pablo Mari and what he could bring to Mikel Arteta’s back four ?https://t.co/LHybqTRExz
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) January 29, 2020
To this point, Mari has gone on to feature 3 times in Arsenal’s colours, with English football’s shutdown amid the COVID-19 outbreak having come just as the stopper had begun to establish himself in the first-team setup of Mikel Arteta.
In a pair of appearances in early March, Mari helped the Gunners to consecutive clean sheets versus Portsmouth and West Ham.
As such, it came as a hammer blow to both the Spaniard and Arsenal when, in his 3rd straight start last week, Mari picked up a major injury.
A trip to the Etihad saw the 26-year-old suffer ankle ligament damage, an issue which is expected to see him sit out the remainder of the campaign.
This, in turn, saw many understandably question whether Mari’s long-term prospects at the Emirates had been definitively ended.
However, after Mikel Arteta revealed earlier this week that he remained hopeful of making the loanee’s transfer permanent, Flamengo’s vice president has today gone a step further.
Speaking to reporters this evening, Marcos Braz all but confirmed that Mari has joined Arsenal on a permanent basis, with the ball-playing stopper having ‘been sold’:
‘Pablo has been sold. We know he suffered an unfortunate injury, but the case is closed. At the right time, the figures of this transfer will appear on our balance sheets.’
Braz: De fato o Pablo Marí foi vendido. Não tem nenhum questionamento em relação a isso. Sabemos que teve uma lesão séria. Mas está resolvido esse assunto. Na hora certa sairão todos os números nos balanços. @OGlobo_Esportes @Jogo_Extra
— Diogo Dantas (@diogodantas) June 22, 2020
Further reports, meanwhile, have hinted that Arsenal are set to announce Mari’s signing within the next 24 hours:
Arsenal preparing to announce Pablo Mari’s permanent signing in the next 24 hours. [@TheAFCBeII]
— LTArsenal™ (@ltarsenal) June 22, 2020
Arsenal’s Guendouzi escapes punishment following Maupay incident vs Brighton
3 Arsenal players missed 3 days of training before Man City after one player tested positive for Covid-19
This article was edited by Josh Barker.
Arsenal reportedly seeking deal with Mesut Ozil to get German off club’s books
Martinez confirms he will only stay at Arsenal if he gets ‘more games’
Torreira the latest Arsenal star tipped as potential makeweight in Thomas Partey deal
Tottenham reportedly amongst clubs interested in signing Arsenal’s Maitland-Niles
‘My heartfelt thanks’ – Willian confirms Chelsea departure as Arsenal switch inches closer
Arsenal boost: Gabriel left out of Lille friendly squad with no.4 jersey reassigned
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang named Arsenal’s 2019/20 Player of the Season
Premier League Player & Young Player of the Year nominees announced: Liverpool & Man United dominate
Arsenal tipped for Houssem Aouar swoop as Lucas Torreira hints at exit
Molde FK vs SK Brann live streaming: Watch Eliteserien online
KV Oostende vs K Beerschot VA live streaming: Watch Belgium First Division A online
Oud-Heverlee Leuven vs KAS Eupen live streaming: Watch Belgium First Division A online
Melbourne City FC vs Adelaide United FC live streaming: Watch A-League online
Brisbane Roar FC vs Sydney FC live streaming: Watch A-League online
Major concern at Atletico Madrid as two members of Champions League travelling party test positive f…
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer speaks out over Man United’s goalkeeping situation
Martinez confirms he will only stay at Arsenal if he gets ‘more games’
Torreira the latest Arsenal star tipped as potential makeweight in Thomas Partey deal
‘My heartfelt thanks’ – Willian confirms Chelsea departure as Arsenal switch inche…
101 Great Goals is a global, football media news publisher devoted to producing content for a digital generation over web, social and mobile platforms.
The 101 Great Goals website is constantly updated with live streaming information and football betting tips, as well as football (soccer) news, video and social media updates by the hour. Every single day of the week.
We pride ourselves at 101 Great Goals on sourcing the best ways for football fans to watch upcoming matches. Our intention is to inform on forthcoming matches, both how to view and also provide a level playing field when football betting.
We cover some of the biggest teams in the world, including Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Tottenham. 101 Great Goals is also active on social media, including Facebook and Twitter.
All odds quoted are correct at time of publishing and subject to change.