Arsenal set to seal permanent signing of Spanish star

Arsenal are reportedly prepared to sign Pablo Mari on a permanent basis by triggering the £8m buy clause agreed with Flamengo.

The centre-back made the switch to the Gunners during the closing stages of the January transfer window after they agreed on a short-term loan deal.

He has since made only two appearances for the north London side across all competitions but both of them came prior to the shutdown due to the coronavirus outbreak.

According to The Athletic, the north London side are likely to work with a limited budget over the summer and they will focus on making smart signings rather than paying big fees.

The same report claims that the club will activate the buy option in Mari's contract, given manager Mikel Arteta wants a left-footed centre-back in his starting lineup.

The capital outfit have been linked with a possible move for Reims' Axel Disasi but the £13m deal may be dependent on whether they can recoup the sum from player sales.