Arsenal are reportedly on the verge of completing a deal for Flamengo defender Pablo Mari.
The Gunners have been repeatedly linked with a defensive signing this month as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his options following a season-ending injury to Calum Chambers.
The likes of Dayot Upamecano, Jerome Boateng and John Stones have all been mentioned as possible targets, while Arsenal are also thought to be in discussions with Shakhtar Donetsk over a loan deal for Mykola Matviyenko.
However, football.london reports that Mari could be the first new signing of the Arteta era, having been spotted alongside technical director Edu at an airport.
Arsenal are thought to have agreed a £7.5m fee with Flamengo, who only signed the Spaniard from Manchester City last summer.
Mari never made a senior appearance during his three-year stay at the Etihad Stadium, instead being shipped out on loan to Girona, NAC and Deportivo La Coruna.
Barney Corkhill
