Arsenal ‘lack money to sign Mari’ but deal still possible

Joe Williams
Pablo Mari Flamengo

Premier League side Arsenal can’t afford to buy Flamengo defender Pablo Mari in the January transfer window, according to reports.

The Spanish defender spent three years at Manchester City before joining Flamengo last summer where he’s been a hit, helping them win the Brazilian Serie A.

Mari played 30 times in all competitions, scoring three goals as the Brazilian side won the league by 16 points, while they also lifted their first Copa Libertadores title for 38 years.

A report on Monday said that Mari had headed back to Brazil without completing a deal to join Arsenal after there had been a ‘late hitch’ in the deal.

Despite passing a medical, Mari has flown back to Brazil ‘disappointed’ after talks stalled.

And now ESPN Brazil has shed more light on why the deal has been stuttering in recent days.

The report claims that ‘Arsenal had already spent all of their money’ and have now switched from offering a permanent deal worth £7.5m to a loan deal with an option to buy.

Flamengo are now ‘waiting for a new proposal’ from the Gunners to see if they are prepared to continue negotiations.

ESPN Brazil continues: ‘To convince the red-and-black to give up his defender, Arsenal will need to present a purchase guarantee, a sign or a clause that is financially interesting for the Brazilian club.’