According to The Telegraph, Mikel Arteta has decided that he wants to sign defender Pablo Mari permanently, with Arsenal set to attempt a deal.
It’s claimed that Arteta will look to make Mari a permanent signing, as Arsenal consider changes to their back line this summer.
David Luiz could leave, whilst William Saliba will begin his Arsenal career this summer. The big question mark surrounds Mari.
Arsenal signed the Spaniard on loan in January, landing him from Flamengo. Mari was on the books of Manchester City during Arteta’s time there, but never played for them.
The 26-year-old impressed in Brazil, helping Flamengo claim a league and Copa Libertadores double, before earning his big loan move to Arsenal.
Mari only managed to make two appearances for Arsenal. He featured against Portsmouth and West Ham United, but then the global pandemic hit and the season was suspended.
He should still have the chance to impress when the Premier League returns, but it sounds like Arteta has already made his mind up.
The major factor in Mari’s favour is that he is left-footed. That brings balance to a defence, especially one attempting to play out from the back, as Arteta wants.
Pep Guardiola has used Aymeric Laporte extensively for that reason, so Arteta may view Mari as a similar player. Arsenal’s budget this summer won’t be huge, so whether they can cough up the money for Mari remains to be seen, but Arteta appears keen.
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