Arsenal are said to be closing in on what would be the club’s first signing of the January transfer window as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his squad for the remainder of the season.

With Calum Chambers set to remain on the sidelines for the rest of the campaign after a severe knee injury last month, the Gunners are currently short of options at centre-back.

Thus, Mikel Arteta appears to be chasing the services of a new defender who could fill in for the Englishman, as Arsenal’s forgettable 2019/20 season goes on.

According to ESPN and its partner ESPN Brazil, the Gunners are closing in on a deal to sign Pablo Mari from Flamengo, pending a medical.

The report further claims that the 26-year-old has actually traveled to London to wrap up his move to the Emirates stadium, after a successful spell in the colours of Flamengo

Prior to joining the Brazilian side last summer, Mari was actually on the books of Manchester City, the same club where Mikel Arteta was employed for the last three years of course.

The Spaniard, who stands at 6’3″ tall, has an imposing presence in defence and his arrival would be reasonable, especially after the loan exit of Mavropanos.

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