FLAMENGO have claimed Arsenal’s proposed move for Pablo Mari stalled because the Gunners “changed the terms” at the last minute.
Arsenal technical director Edu arrived at Heathrow Airport with the defender, 26, on Saturday, with reports suggesting the Spaniard was set to undergo a medical.
But the Gunners could now miss out on a deal for Mari, with a director of the Brazilian side revealing Arsenal are to blame.
Flamengo claim North London bosses altered the terms of the deal at the last minute, before suggesting Arsenal weren’t taking them seriously.
A Flamengo director, who preferred to remain anonymous, revealed: “I already spoke with Pablo Mari.
“We expect him at Ninho do Urubu this afternoon [for pre season training].
We had agreed to sell him for a fee, he arrived in London, Arsenal changed [the terms].
“Flamengo is a serious club.”
But a deal could still be on, with Mari always set to return to Brazil after his weekend in London was over.
It’s suggested the terms Arsenal attempted to change revolved around whether the deal would be permanent or a loan.
It’s thought the Gunners want Mari on loan, with Flamengo preferring him to leave permanently this month.
Arsenal are yet to bring anyone in this month – with Mikel Arteta yet to make his first signing as chief.
But he was seemingly ready to turn to a familiar face, with Mari having spent three years on the books with Manchester City between 2016 and 2019 while Arteta was Pep Guardiola’s assistant.
Meanwhile, Arteta has hinted Arsenal may be going after more than just a defender in this January transfer window.
