Why Arsenal signing Pablo Mari is a sensible move
According to Sky Sports, Arsenal have signed defender Pablo Mari from Flamengo, despite reaching a roadblock (h/t Daily Mail) on Monday.
The Daily Mail report suggested that Mari was ready to sign for the Gunners after his medical but Flamengo had changed their demands. That said, the Londoners have still managed to get a deal over the line.
Mari, 26, who came through the ranks of Mallorca’s youth system in Spain, moved to Manchester City in the summer of 2016. Unable to break into City’s first-team, he enjoyed loan spells at Girona, NAC Breda and Deportivo La Coruna before joining the Brazilian outfit last summer.
He featured in 30 games for Flamengo in the 2019 season and was instrumental in the club’s double title-winning campaign. He won the Brazilian league and the Copa Libertadores and was also part of the team that lost to Liverpool in the Club World Cup final last month.
Meanwhile, a 2-1 win against Bournemouth has helped Arsenal progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup and they are also in contention for the Europa League trophy after finishing atop the Group F standings.
However, in the Premier League, Arsenal are still in the 10th position, one point behind Southampton. The Gunners had to make some changes at the back. David Luiz and Sokratis have not been at their best, having already conceded 34 goals in the league so far.
Calum Chambers has been sidelined until the end of the season, leaving the Gunners with limited defensive options. Therefore, Arteta signing Mari for the rest of the season certainly comes as a much-needed move at the right time.
The 26-year-old centre-back had established himself as a reliable figure for Flamengo. Last season, he played 22 Serie A games, scoring 2 goals and providing an assist in the process. Given that William Saliba is out on loan and Shkodran Mustafi has had a horrible time, Arsenal have done the right thing by signing Mari.
The Spaniard averaged 1 tackle, 1 interception and 2.9 clearances per game in the Brazilian league last season [Whoscored].
Verdict
The Arsenal defence has been quite lacklustre this season and some strengthening was needed. Therefore, having lured Mari to the Emirates ahead of deadline day, Arsenal have pulled off a shrewd move.
