ARSENAL have reportedly exercised the option to make Pablo Mari’s switch permanent in a £14million deal despite his season-ending injury. The Spanish defender, 26, joined the Gunners on loan from Flamengo in January until the end of the season. They paid an initial £4.2million to take the ex-Manchester City man on a temporary basis. But […]
ARSENAL have reportedly exercised the option to make Pablo Mari’s switch permanent in a £14million deal despite his season-ending injury.
The Spanish defender, 26, joined the Gunners on loan from Flamengo in January until the end of the season.
They paid an initial £4.2million to take the ex-Manchester City man on a temporary basis.
But according to Coluna Do Fla in Brazil, the Emirates club decided to take up the chance to sign Mari for good.
The report says the total cost of the transfer could be as high as £14m when bonuses and other fees are taken into account.
Mari has featured just three times under Mikel Arteta since his arrival earlier in the year.
After making his debut in the FA Cup at Portsmouth, he played the full 90 against West Ham on March 7.
But he was forced to wait more than 100 days for his third appearance, starting at Manchester City on Wednesday night.
However, he limped off just 24 minutes into the game at the Etihad with an ankle injury.
The problem, which could require surgery, puts the centre-back out for the rest of the campaign.
But with the suggestion he will join permanently, that does not look to be the end of Mari in an Arsenal shirt.
Gunners supporters are also looking forward to seeing William Saliba play for the club.
The French youngster returned to Saint-Etienne this season but is back with his parent club and will be eligible to play from the beginning of the 2020/21 campaign.
However, Arteta is still thought to be looking at bringing in another centre-back – especially with David Luiz, Shkodran Mustafi and Sokratis all at risk of being let go.
Thiago Silva would be available as a free agent while the likes of Daniele Rugani, Dayot Upamecano and Axel Disasi have also been linked.
