Pablo Mari set for Arsenal move as Flamengo confirm defender exit

Flamengo have publicly confirmed that Arsenal target Pablo Mari is leaving the club.

Arsenal have an agreement in principle to take the Spanish centre-back on loan for the rest of the season, with an option to make the deal permanent in the summer.

The Gunners' offer to put down a larger some of money up-front was believed to be the key factor behind a breakthrough in protracted negotiations, with Mari set to travel to London to complete the formalities of the move.

Flamengo announced the signing of centre-back Leo Pereira from Club Athletico Paranaense for around £6.5million on Wednesday and have now bid a public farewell to former Manchester City defender Mari on social media.

Chegou a hora de nos despedirmos desse zagueiro que chegou ao Flamengo para deixar a sua marca na nossa história com os títulos da Conmebol Libertadores e do Campeonato Brasileiro. Pablo Marí, obrigado por tudo. 👏🏆🇪🇸#CRF pic.twitter.com/z5skwsimzO

— Flamengo (@Flamengo)

January 29, 2020

"The time has come to say goodbye to this defender who arrived at Flamengo to make his mark in our history with the titles of Conmebol Libertadores and the Brazilian Championship," they said in a tweet that also featured highlights of the player's time at the club.

"Pablo Marí, thanks for everything."

Mari will become Arsenal's first signing under new manager Mikel Arteta.