Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has decided that he wants to keep centre-back Pablo Mari on a permanent basis, according to reports in England.
The Spaniard moved to the Emirates on loan from Flamengo in January but the Gunners do have the option of making the move permanent for around £10m.
Supporters on Twitter were mostly supportive of the club’s decision to keep Mari:
Great addition with his abilities then he can release a few centre backs
— Hudson (@Hudsonaviku) June 1, 2020
Do it already
— Joseph Gacau (@gacau_joseph) June 1, 2020
D guy is pretty slow..!!
Another Meterseker
— PAPAbee? (@Isei_Olaoluwa) June 1, 2020
Good news. Good quality, left footed centre backs dont grow on trees. Now, get rid of Chambers and Mustafi….. sorted.!
— Tim Bartley (@bartleytim) June 1, 2020
We saw nothing of him!
— Brian Rocks (@BrianRocks1964) June 1, 2020
I don't think its safe to decide yet. Want to see more from him. If he starts agianst City and plays well that could be a good start.
— ?YOUNG⚪GOONER? (@KubaZalewski13) June 1, 2020
Best Decision ever he is World class mark my words(pablo mari)
— NgureKen?? (@ngurekenn) June 1, 2020
Big W
— Matte™ ?? (@Matte_afc) June 1, 2020
Good decision.Sign him up.
— Muhammad sir_Larm (@sirlarm) June 1, 2020
Another cheap option, lacks pace!
— Camps The Sports connoisseur (@SupaCamps) June 1, 2020
Get him in
— Scott mckay (@mckay_999) June 1, 2020
The 26-year-old’s loan expires at the end of June so Arsenal do have some time before they do have to make a final decision on his future.
With matches expected to continue into July, the Gunners could perhaps try and extend the loan, as Manchester United have done with Odion Ighalo.
However, the inclusion of the purchase clause in the original deal may mean that they will need to trigger their option to keep him so he can play in the team’s remaining matches this season.
