Arsenal target Pablo Mari arrives London to complete transfer

Arsenal are on the verge of announcing a deal for Flamengo defender Pablo Mari, with the centre-back spotted flying to London with Gunners technical director Edu to have his medical.

Mikel Arteta has made no secret of his desire to bring in reinforcements in the January window, with a central defender one of several positions he was hoping to strengthen this month.

And Edu has been working hard to secure a new recruit, finally convincing Flamengo to sell Mari despite the Brazilian side being loathe to lose such an important player.

According to GloboEsporte, a breakthrough in talks was made on Friday and the Spanish defender quickly boarded a plane to London with Edu which will touch down on Saturday lunchtime.

He will now undergo a medical and pen personal terms as the Gunners look to wrap up a deal worth around £2million before next Friday’s transfer window deadline.

Mari, 26, has had an interesting career, having been bought by Manchester City but never actually playing a match for the Premier League champions.