Arsenal deal for Pablo Mari on verge of collapse
Arsenal remain in talks with Flamengo over the signing of defender Pablo Mari.
Mari has returned to Brazil having arrived in England on Saturday for talks with Arsenal, but Sky Sports News have been told this was always the plan and the Gunners are still hopeful they can conclude a deal.
Arsenal are looking to sign the Spaniard on loan until the end of the season with an option to buy.
The 26-year-old would become Mikel Arteta's first signing since taking over as Arsenal head coach in December.
Mari signed a contract with Manchester City in 2016, but never played for them.
He went out on loan for three successive seasons to Girona, NAC and Deportivo La Coruna, before joining Flamengo on a permanent deal last summer.
Mari's Flamengo sign won Brazil's Serie A, with the defender featuring in 22 of the 38 games, scoring twice as Flamengo finished 16 points clear of Santos and Palmeiras.
