Who is Pablo Mari? Mikel Arteta's First Signing As Arsenal Manager

By Mike Parrott

Arsenal are set to make their first signing this Transfer window, and the first one for Manager Mikel Arteta. Pablo Mari is set to join Arsenal from Brazilian club, Flamengo for around £8 Million.

Pablo Mari is set to become the first signing under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, the Spanish Centre-Back has been plying his trade in Brazil for Flamengo for the past year and will once again be working with Arteta.

Mari has been in England before technically, registered as a Manchester City player from 2016 to 2019, albeit never playing a game for Man City. The Spaniard spent the past three years on loan at different clubs such as Girona, NAC Breda, and Deportivo La Coruna.

Originally from the Mallorca academy, Mari became the first Spaniard to win the Copa Libertadores in November 2019.

He has clearly improved during his time in Brazil, although it will be fascinating to see if he can adapt to English football.

Arsenal need defensive cover. Not only have they struggled all season with under-performing players, but Arteta looks set to be without Calum Chambers for the rest of the campaign because of injury.

A fresh face in the squad would potentially give the team a necessary boost, with Arsenal down to 10th in the Premier League table.

They are next in action on Monday, when they travel to Bournemouth in the FA Cup fourth round.