PABLO MARI’S transfer to Arsenal is on the brink of collapse, according to reports.
It is thought the Spanish defender, 26, is flying back to Brazil, just two days after landing in London.
According to the Mail, there was a late hitch in the negotiations which has stalled the transfer.
Mari had flown into Heathrow on Saturday morning alongside the Gunners’ technical director Edu.
He was expected to complete his medical and be announced as Mikel Arteta’s first signing in the coming days.
Asked if he is excited to sign for Arsenal, Mari replied: “Yes of course.”
The Flamengo centre-back, though, has now been left disappointed with the deal at risk of breaking down.
Talks are understood to be ongoing between the two clubs but the delay is a major hiccup as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his squad before Friday’s transfer deadline.
Arteta is yet to bring anyone in this month but was seemingly ready to turn to a familiar face.
Mari spent three years on the books with Manchester City between 2016 and 2019 while Arteta was Pep Guardiola’s assistant.
The defender did spend all three seasons out on loan – at Girona, NAC Breda and Deportivo La Coruna – and did not make a first-team appearance for City before joining Flamengo last summer.
But he has made an instant impact in Brazil, winning the Brasilian Serie A and the Copa Libertadores by the end of 2019.
More to follow
