Arsenal's loan deal for Flamengo defender Pablo Mari will include a permanent option.

The Daily Mail says Arsenal are set sign Mari on an initial loan with view to completing a £7.5m deal pending his medical.

The Spanish centre-back will be Mikel Arteta's first signing for the Gunners, as the former midfielder continues to stamp his authority on the under-performing squad.

Mari was a vital part of Flamengo's double-winning season in 2019, helping the Brazilian side to the league title and a Copa Libertadores triumph.

He was last in action when the Rio side fell to a narrow Club World Cup final defeat to Liverpool late last year, playing all 120 minutes as Roberto Firmino scored the winner in extra time.