Arsenal to sign Spanish defender on a permanent deal

Arsenal will reportedly sign Pablo Mari on a permanent basis from Flamengo when the current season comes to a close.

The Spaniard joined the club on a six-month loan from Flamengo last month but he has yet to make his debut for the club in any competition.

That has primarily been due to fitness concerns following his move from Brazil but he is likely to make his debut in the near future for the north London giants.

According to Coluna Dofla, talks have already taken place between Arsenal and Flamengo over the permanent deal and the Gunners are likely to trigger a buy-clause worth £13.8m.

Mari has already featured in a couple of reserve team games for the Gunners and he could make his debut when they face Portsmouth in the FA Cup fifth round on Monday.

The Gunners recently bowed out of the Europa League at the round of 32 stage and they now have to rely on a top-four or top-five finish in the Premier League to qualify for the Champions League next term.

The fifth position currently guarantees a route to the elite competition due to Manchester City's European ban but things could change, suppose the Cityzens win their appeal through the Court of Arbitration for Sport.