Arsenal close in on Pablo Mari transfer as Flamengo sign replacement

Arsenal are edging closer to the signing Pablo Mari after Flamengo signed a replacement for the central defender.

The Brazilian club have announced the signing of Leo Pereira from Athletico Paranaense on a deal until 2024, a move which should pave the way for Mari to complete his switch to Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners have reportedly now struck a deal for Mari, who will travel back to London to finalise the move before Friday's deadline.

It is thought Mari will arrive on an initial loan deal that could be made permanent in the summer for around £7million.

Mari will provide much needed depth to Mike Arteta's defence. The Arsenal boss is already without Calum Chambers after a knee injury ruled him out for the rest of the season, though Shkodran Mustafi's injury is not as bad as first feared.

Speaking after the FA Cup win over Bournemouth on Monday, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said: "We have a very clear intention of what we wanted to do in the market with the resources we have."