Some Arsenal fans on Twitter aren’t buying the idea that Pablo Mari is legitimately injured.
The big Spanish centre-back sat out the 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace on Thursday night due to an apparent calf injury.
And Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta revealed on Friday, ahead of Monday night’s visit of Newcastle United, that Mari would definitely be out for the next few matches.
The Gunners signed Mari on a permanent basis from Flamengo in a £14 million deal last summer.
But according to The Mirror, there’s a staggered payment plan and Arsenal are paying £1 million for every 10 matches that he features in.
Since joining on loan last January, Mari has managed nine appearances across all competitions.
And some fans of the Emirates Stadium side have theorised that this injury has been fabricated as a way to delay the seven-figure payment to the Brazilian club.
Here’s what some Arsenal supporters have been saying on social media:
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
