DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 17: Pablo Mari of CR Flamengo celebrates victory after the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final match between CR Flamengo and Al Hilal FC at Khalifa International Stadium on December 17, 2019 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

Arsenal Gossip

Arsenal deal to sign Mari gets massive boost

Jan 29, 2020

Arsenal’s deal for Flamengo’s Pablo Mari seems to be back on as his club buy Léo Pereira as a replacement.

LIMA, PERU - NOVEMBER 23: Pablo Mari of Flamengo lifts the trophy after winning during the final match of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2019 between Flamengo and River Plate at Estadio Monumental on November 23, 2019 in Lima, Peru. (Photo by Daniel Apuy/Getty Images) — LIMA, PERU – NOVEMBER 23: Pablo Mari of Flamengo lifts the trophy after winning during the final match of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2019 between Flamengo and River Plate at Estadio Monumental on November 23, 2019 in Lima, Peru. (Photo by Daniel Apuy/Getty Images)

Pablo Mari has reportedly already had his Arsenal medical but flew back to Brazil after his club reportedly changed how much they were asking for him, demanding another £3m on top of the £10m Arsenal were allegedly willing to pay.

Flamengo have now signed a defensive replacement in Pereira with multiple reports in Brazil claiming that Arsenal’s deal for Mari is ‘imminent.’

Flamengo have signed a centre-back – should help Pablo Mari's move to Arsenal edge closer. https://t.co/y5PsivlnAk

— Simon Collings (@sr_collings) January 29, 2020

Translated, Flamengo’s tweet reads, “There’s reinforcement for the mengão defensive sector, Nation! Defender Léo Pereira is ours! He signed a contract until December 2024. Welcome! #LéoPereiraNaÁrea”

Arsenal are expected to sign Mari on loan initially with an option to buy.

Finally, we've got our man! Pablo Mari will be an Arsenal player!
According to multiple reports in Brazil, Pablo Marí will join Arsenal on loan with an option to buy.
The deal should now go through quickly with the player very eager to join.
Annoucement imminent. #afc pic.twitter.com/tr3IXjmuKL

— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) January 29, 2020

Arsenal are also believed to want to try him on loan first in case the 26-year-old does not adapt to life in London while Flamengo were said to be reluctant to let him leave unless there was an agreement the deal would become permanent.

According to the usual craziness that is Twitter, Mari is said to be on his way, with some people already tracking what they think is his plane.

https://twitter.com/afcSource/status/1221031615486418944

The transfer window shuts on Friday at 11pm (UK).