Pablo Mari could make his debut as soon as this Sunday against Newcastle United for Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta went out and decided to strengthen his backline this January, adding two defenders in Mari and Cedric Soares, the latter of whom is still sidelined with injury.
The Gunners shelled out £4m to sign Mari on loan and will have an option to make the deal permanent for another £8m. David Luiz is acquainted to Flamengo boss, Jorge Jesus for having worked with him back in the Benfica ranks.
“I speak with Jorge every week, he’s really my friend,” Luiz told the Evening Standard. “He told me to welcome him in the best way because Pablo is ready to play.
“He’s a great player, he did amazing in Brazil under Jorge Jesus, a coach I know very well. Jorge is my friend and one of the top coaches in the world. It was a pleasure for me seeing Pablo and Rodrigo Caio, another friend, doing really well in Brazil. I hope Pablo can help us.
“Pablo was courageous, not scared to try something big [by moving to Brazil]. It was the same with Jorge Jesus, to go to Brazil as a European coach.”
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