Arsenal sign Pablo Mari from Flamengo

Pablo Mari Arsenal
Pablo Mari played for Flamengo last season, where he won the Libertadores Cup. Credits: Getty Images

The Gunners have made their first Winter signing, announcing a reinforcement for the center back position. Pablo Marí is a 26-year-old Spanish center back, who played last season in Flamengo, on the Brazilian League.

Arsenal will receive the player on loan until the end of the season. The buyout clause is estimated at around €10M for the defender. Pablo will reinforce fellow Spanish Mikel Arteta’s backline.

Pablo Marí arrived at Flamengo only in July of 2019. The 1,93m (6.3ft) defender played under Jorge Jesus’ winning side, who conquered the Brazilian League and the Libertadores Cup (South American equivalent to Champions League). He made 30 appearances and scored 3 goals.

Who is Pablo Marí?

Born in Almussafes, in the Valencian region of Spain, Pablo came through the ranks of Mallorca. He made his professional debut in 2011, playing twice in La Liga.

However, in 2013 he was released and signed with Gimnastic. The team from Tarragona was on the third tier of Spanish football, but Pablo impressed and was bought by Manchester City.

City immediately loaned them to the brother club Girona FC. He never played in the Citizens, and after the spell at Girona, he was loaned again to NAC Breda in the Eredivisie and Deportivo La Coruña (Spanish 2nd division).

In July 2019, Pablo decided to move to South America where he joined manager Jorge Jesus in Flamengo for €1.3 million. An immediate fan favorite, Pablo made a successful partnership with Brazilian Rodrigo Caio.

Pablo Mari Flamengo
LIMA, PERU – NOVEMBER 23: Pablo Mari of Flamengo lifts the trophy after winning during the final match of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2019 between Flamengo and River Plate at Estadio Monumental on November 23, 2019 in Lima, Peru. (Photo by Daniel Apuy/Getty Images)

Despite ranking first in the league, with 16 points to the 2nd place, the team suffered 37 goals. They were the 6th best defense in the league, although they were the best attack.

Individually Pablo averages 2.9 clearances per game, 1 tackle, winning 2.5 aerial duels. He also had a pass accuracy of 87%.

Will the Spanish defender be enough to hold Arsenal’s leaky defense? The Gunners are 10th in the Premier League table, with 34 goals conceded and -2 goal difference.

About Jorge Costa 140 Articles
Jorge Costa is a freelance journalist, with a Masters Degree in Journalism and Communication, through the University of Coimbra, Portugal. He specializes in sports and soccer in particular.

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