Arsenal Sign Centre-back Pablo Mari In Loan Move From Flamengo

Mikel Arteta has completed his first signing for Arsenal in this transfer window after a loan deal worth £12 million was agreed with Flamengo's centre-back Pablo Mari on Wednesday.

Arsenal will be paying a £4 million upfront loan fee to the Brazilian side and the rest of the fee will be paid in summer when the defender will be retained permanently at the club as stipulated in the contract.

"This is one of the best clubs in the world," Mari was quoted as saying on Arsenal's website. "So, I'm absolutely delighted to be joining. I'm really looking forward to playing in this jersey and helping my team."

Gunners have suffered a couple of league games losses in a comeback to their opponents caused by the failed defense as often suspected. In the quest to make Champions League qualification by making the top four of the Premier League table, they have to win more to overtake Chelsea who leads them and Manchester United by six points.

With the likes of Sead Kolasinac and Calum Chamber on the sideline for injuries, there is a need to strengthen the defense and for that error committed by Shkodran Mustafi that resulted in David Luiz being red-carded offense in 2-2 draw against Chelsea - Arteta did recently commented on the need for the German to improve on his skill.

He added, "Right now I want to focus on the day-to-day side of things. I think we need to put the plans to one side for now because the most important thing is to take things one day at a time and focus on achieving short-term goals."