Arsenal brought in defender Pablo Mari on loan for the rest of the season from Brazilian side Flamengo. But it looks like the 26-year-old was not the Gunners’ first choice.
After the signing, technical director Edu told Arsenal’s official website: “Pablo is an experienced player who will provide us with additional defensive quality.
“We have been monitoring Pablo’s career for a while and we are very pleased to have reached agreement with Flamengo for him to join us initially until the end of our season.
“Together with Mikel and his coaching team, we are all looking forward to seeing Pablo in an Arsenal shirt.”
Now though as per reports, Arsenal along with Everton wanted to sign Lille centre-back Gabriel during the January transfer window and had even made official moves.
Metro have reported: “According to Le 10 Sport, Lille centre-back Gabriel was another serious target this winter.
BREAKING: Arsenal have reinforced their defence by signing centre-back Pablo Mari from Flamengo on loan with an option to buy 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/HK0Q99TIYo
— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 29, 2020
“The report claims that both Arsenal and Everton submitted ‘firm offers’ over ‘many days’ for the 22-year-old. However, all proposals were swiftly rejected as they did not match up with Lille’s valuation of the Brazilian.”
The 22-year-old has played 19 Ligue 1 games for Lille this season, and the defender has been held in high regards which is why both Arsenal and Everton were really interested in bringing him on board.
But having said that, many experts feel Pablo Mari too can fit the brief at Arsenal pretty well.
Arsenal have an option to buy in Mari’s loan deal and most people feel they will exercise this even if the 26-year-old cannot find his feet in the Premier League during the remainder of the season.
