Arsenal technical director Edu Gaspar has explained the club’s decision to sign Pablo Mari, after monitoring the career of the defender for ‘a while’.

The Gunners decided to send out Mavropanos on loan to Germany earlier this month despite the injury to Calum Chambers, and it took until this week for that move to be justified.

Following a few days of rumours, Arsenal finally secured the signing of Pablo Mari from Brazilian side Flamengo on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old, who has enjoyed a successful spell in Brazil, became Mikel Arteta’s first signing ever since his appointment as the new manager of the Gunners.

Following the arrival of Mari, the club’s technical director Edu Gaspar has revealed that the decision to sign the defender was based on his experience.

Speaking in an interview with Arsenal’s official website, Edu said:

“Pablo is an experienced player who will provide us with additional defensive quality.

“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.

“Together with Mikel and his coaching team, we are all looking forward to seeing Pablo in an Arsenal shirt.”

Mari was of course a member of the Flamengo side which faced Liverpool in the Club World Cup final last month.

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