Spanish defender Pablo Mari looks set to become Mikel Arteta's first signing as Arsenal head coach.
The Flamengo man arrived in London on Saturday to complete talks with the Gunners and undergo a medical with the club. He is expected to put pen to paper on a loan deal with an option to make the move permanent in the summer.
Arsenal have been on the lookout for defensive reinforcements throughout the window, with the search intensified after Callum Chambers season-ending knee injury.
Mari was spotted with Arsenal technical director Edu on Friday evening, as a deal edges nearer to completion.
The central defender will join the club from Brazilian side Flamengo, having enjoyed success in South America winning both the league and Copa Libertadores.
The 26-year-old also impressed playing the full 120 minutes in the Club World Cup game against Liverpool earlier this season.
The defender spent some time at Manchester City earlier in his career, before making the move to Brazil. It seems he is well liked by the fans of his current club.
Posting on Reddit, Flamengo fan SawdustCrusader sent a message to Arsenal fans over the defender.
"Flamengo fan here not coming in peace. Give us Pablo back," they wrote.
"You have 48 hours to make him fail the medicals and fly him back to Rio de Janeiro."
The fan also then gave an encouraging statement on how Mari may adapt to the Premier League.
"I think he can adapt quickly," they said.
"He spent all his career in Europe and only 6 months in Brazil. When he arrived people doubted he would make it because of the culture shock, language, long Brasileirão travels and all that but he played like he was there for years.
"He adapted to a totally different reality like a duck from ground to water.
"S0 I think he will be absolutely fine."
