Arsenal sign center-back Mari on loan

Arsenal have bolstered an area of need in luring center-back Pablo Mari from Flamengo until the end of the season.

The Gunners confirmed the loan move Wednesday, adding they have the option to make the signing permanent in the summer.

"Pablo is an experienced player who will provide us with additional defensive quality," Arsenal technical director Edu said. "We have been monitoring Pablo’s career for a while and we are very pleased to have reached agreement with Flamengo for him to join us initially until the end of our season."

A significant contributor to Flamengo's dazzling Copa Libertadores-winning run, Mari, 26, was born in Spain and progressed through Mallorca's academy before earning a first-team debut in 2011. He then moved to third-tier Gimnastic before Manchester City signed the angular defender and promptly loaned him to sister club Girona.

Two more short-term spells followed before Brazilian giants Flamengo lured the ball-playing center-half to Rio de Janeiro where he quickly established himself in Jorge Jesus' first team.

At Arsenal, Mari should be provided ample opportunity to show his worth. Mercurial campaigns for David Luiz, 32, and Sokratis, 31, paired with a frustrating term for Shkodran Mustafi have highlighted the need for a central defender. Additionally, Calum Chambers tore his anterior cruciate ligament, and Rob Holding has struggled to return to form following enduring fitness concerns.