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Arsenal transfer target Pablo Mari returns to Brazil after centre-back says he was excited to sign for club

Flamengo centre-back Pablo Mari, pictured here celebrating after scoring against Gremio in the Copa Libertadores, has returned to Brazil after spending the weekend in London - Getty Images South America
Flamengo centre-back Pablo Mari, pictured here celebrating after scoring against Gremio in the Copa Libertadores, has returned to Brazil after spending the weekend in London - Getty Images South America

Arsenal remain in talks with Flamengo over defender Pablo Mari, who has returned to Brazil after spending the weekend in London.

Arsenal have been looking to sign a defender this month, despite their financial limitations, and are hopeful that the 26-year-old will become the first recruit of the Mikel Arteta era.

But the deal is proving to be complicated, with Arsenal looking to complete a loan move and Flamengo, according to Brazilian reports, pushing for a permanent transfer.

Upon his arrival in London on Saturday, Mari told Goal that he was excited to sign for Arsenal. He was flanked at the airport by Edu, Arsenal’s technical director, who had flown with the player from Brazil.

It is understood that the plan was always for Mari to return to Brazil this week, so his departure from London is not indicative of the move collapsing.

Mari has been a key part of the Flamengo squad since moving to Brazil from Manchester City for around £1 million last summer.

The centre-back spent three years at City but never played in the Premier League. He was instead loaned to Girona, NAC Breda and Deportivo La Coruña.

Mari has impressed with Flamengo, becoming the first Spaniard to win the Copa Libertadores and playing against Liverpool in the Club World Cup final last month.