When rumours surfaced that Arsenal were interested in signing Pablo Mari it looked as though we’d be recruiting the Spaniard from Brazilian side Flamengo on a permanent deal.
After a quick look at our finances, we had a late change of heart and settled on a six-month loan with an option to buy at the end of the season.
It seems very likely we’ll exercise that right when the transfer window reopens (whenever that might be) and Mari, who has spent four of his ten weeks as a Gunner on lockdown, is eager for it to happen.
“I have a lot of things to learn but I think my football can be really good with the Arsenal,” Mari told Sky Sports.
“I hope the club and I can go at the end (of the season) with good things to do the permanent transfer. We will see what happens because at the moment with the virus it is difficult.”
Pablo had only just made his debut for the first team when the boss contracted COVID-19 and Premier League football ground to a halt. In the short time he had to work at close quarters with Arteta, who he’d previously met during a stint at Manchester City, he said he was already picking up pointers.
“He has done really well so far. I’m really happy to work with him,” he said.
“He has helped me with my weaknesses and improved the strengths. I hope I can work with him a lot of years.”
Tbh I had forgotten he was technically only a loan signing. I had assumed he was already permanent. The real question is will we ever see Cedric Soares play a minute for the Arsenal?
I too wonder this. Didn’t we pay like £5million loan fee also? You would expect for that, there would be an agreement already that he signs a 2/3 year deal after but you never know when it comes to Arsenal and cocking things up
Sure. Cedric is a very important player for us. The only other Torreira-like shuttler/destroyer of the ball.
There is some good news with signing cedric, we get an extra player on playstation. Mot a bad deal after all for 5 million.
The loan signing of Soares puts a nail in the coffin of Maitland Niles’s Arsenal career.
I like Niles, he’s only 22, but the writing looks like it’s on the wall, Arteta doesn’t look like he fancies him, certainly not at right back, and I don’t see getting many opportunities in centre mid, or on the wing
Out of respect for his parent club, I doubt he’d be openly saying he wants the permanent move unless it was already agreed
Parent club already bought a replacement so I don’t think it’s much of a secret.
Good to finally hear of a player fans want who seems eager to stay and we can actually afford the price. Happy days
Good enough to stop Liverpool in the club championship. He’s quality where we have been lacking.
“The” Arsenal. Enough said. Sign him up.
Exactly what I was thinking!
Nice to see a player so openly wanting to play for Arsenal! Hopefully he can step up to the challenge & prove himself as a solid CB.
spurs have just announced that they are reserving 1500 seats next season for NHS front line staff. An NHS spokesperson has replied “Don’t you think that they have suffered enough already?”
The NHS won’t be taking up the offer, due to the shortage of PPE. They haven’t enough flak jackets, tin helmets and earplugs.
Not to mention the need for psychologists to handle the PTSD