Centre-back Mari is FOOTBALL Arteta first signing
ARSENAL are close to finalising the first signing of Mikel Arteta’s reign with Flamengo defender Pablo Mari.
The 6ft 3ins centre-back, who was formerly on Manchester City’s books but did not play a competitive game, l anded at Heathrow at 12.30pm yesterday with Arsenal technical director Edu Gaspar for his medical, after a £7.5 million deal was put in place on Friday.
The 26-year old had a series of loans while at City with Girona, NA CB red a and A laves. He impressed and had interest from other English clubs but was given the chance to move to Flamengo, where he won the Brazilian League and Copa Libertadores. He also played against Liverpool in the World Club Championship.
As one player arrives from South America to play in the Premier League, another is set to make the return trip.
Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo is pushing for a return to Argentina with a loan move to Estudiantes on the cards. The 26-year-old defender is not playing at Old Trafford and Estudiantes chairman and former United midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron has convinced him the move away from Europe can boost his career.
Rojo wants to return this week and establish himself in the plans of coach and former team-mate Gabriel Milito. Then he believes he can return to the Argentine national squad and play a part in the Copa America this summer.
Rojo is liked by O le Gunnar Solskjaer for his combative style but a series of injuries forced him down the pecking order at United.
He also saw a temporary move to Everton fall through on deadline day in August after United demanded a £4m loan fee.
United will make a decision on the future of midfielder James Garner this week amid interest from League One Sunderland. The 18-year-old is hoping to figure for United against Tranmere today in the FA Cup.
Solskjaer had also asked for two midfielders in the hope of at least one arriving this month. United have made offers for Sporting Lisbon’s Bruno Fernandes and Birmingham’s Jude Bellingham, though the latter is one for the future.