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Shkodran Mustafi’s ankle injury sharpens Arsenal’s focus on Flamengo defender Pablo Mari

Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Shkodran Mustafi's ankle injury has sharpened the focus on Arsenal's pursuit of Flamengo defender Pablo Mari.

The German defender was stretchered off during the 2-1 FA Cup win over Bournemouth last night and was today being assessed by club doctors. The 27-year-old managed to leave the stadium on foot but was wearing a protective boot.

Talks continue with Brazilian side Flamengo over a deal for Mari, who has returned to South America after travelling to London with Arsenal technical director Edu over the weekend.

Mikel Arteta is already without Calum Chambers after a knee injury ruled him out for the rest of the season, leaving him with just three fit central defenders.

Arsenal are hoping to strike a loan deal for Spanish defender Mari - who spent three years as a Manchester City player before joining Flamengo last year - which could be made permanent for £7million in the summer. Flamengo, however, are hesitant to let the 26-year-old go without a guaranteed fee and reports in Brazil claim they want a permanent deal struck this month.

Speaking on Monday, Flamengo manager Jorge Jesus said he does not want to lose Mari.

Mustafi was stretchered off in the second half of Arsenal's FA Cup tie at Bournemouth Photo: AFP via Getty Images
Mustafi was stretchered off in the second half of Arsenal's FA Cup tie at Bournemouth Photo: AFP via Getty Images

“Gabi (Inter Milan forward Gabriel Barbosa) is not from Flamengo, he is from Inter," said Jesus. "Pablo is a Flamengo player. There are two players that we really want in our squad."

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