Arsenal

Tottenham Hotspur defender Kyle Walker-Peters has joined Southampton on loan, potentially opening the door for a late Arsenal move for Cedric Soares. 

The 22-year-old will join Saints until the end of the season. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, the Gunners will make a loan push for Soares worth £5 million, including his full wages.

Right-back Walker-Peters has barely featured for Spurs this season, appearing in three Premier League matches, a Carabao Cup fixture and a single UEFA Champions League outing. 

He's focused on improving both himself and the club:

"I'm looking to use this opportunity to improve as a football player, but most importantly win games here, and show the manager he made the right decision in bringing me here, and also show the fans that.

"I'm just grateful for the opportunity I've been given by the manager and the club. I come here looking to help the club improve and improve myself. I just want to win as many games as possible and enjoy playing football."

Per Alasdair Gold of Football.london, the deal does not include an option to make the move permanent, so Walker-Peters may still have the opportunity to make an impact in the British capital.

Soares has been a regular for Southampton at right-back this season, making 16 starts in the Premier League. His contract will expire in the summer, however, and the 28-year-old was expected to seek a move to a bigger club. By sending him to Arsenal now, Saints will both net a small transfer fee and get his wages off the books.

Capable of playing on either side of the defence, Soares would add depth and Premier League experience to a team in need of a boost. The Gunners sit in 10th place in the Premier League standings, and their defensive fragility has been a big reason why. Arsenal currently have a negative goal differential.

By adding Soares, manager Mikel Arteta can move Ainsley Maitland-Niles back into his more natural midfield role. Soares will likely battle Hector Bellerin for the starting position at right-back.

Arsenal have signed Pablo Mari on loan from Flamengo for the remainder of the 2019-20 campaign.

The deal was confirmed via the club's official Twitter account on Wednesday. Arsenal will reportedly pay a $5 million (£4 million) loan fee, with a $10 million (£8 million) option to buy in the summer, according to Sky Sports.

David Ornstein of The Athletic first noted the option to buy. The club are also said to be considering another possible loan signing before the January transfer window closes.

“Pablo is an experienced player who will provide us with additional defensive quality," Arsenal technical director Edu said in the club release. "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 [head coach] Mikel [Arteta] and his coaching team, we are all looking forward to seeing Pablo in an Arsenal shirt.”

Mari's acquisition will give the Gunners some crucial depth in defence, which is an area they've struggled in for much of the campaign.

Calum Chambers is out for the season with an ACL injury, while the likes of David Luiz, Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Shkodran Mustafi have struggled to show any sort of consistency in a challenging campaign. Rob Holding has also been struggling to regain fitness following his own ACL injury last season

Arteta will be hoping that Mari can bring some consistency to the base of the team, having made major improvements during his time with Flamengo.

The defender was on Manchester City's books during Arteta's spell at the club as assistant manager, although he never played a senior game under Pep Guardiola in three years. After a series of loans, Mari made a move to Brazil in 2019 and has kicked on.

He played an important role in Flamengo winning the domestic title and the Copa Libertadores, offering authority and composure from his berth in central defence.

While he's shone for the Brazilian outfit, the Premier League will provide Mari with a different challenge, with the tempo of the game quicker and the forwards he will come up against more physical. With that in mind, it makes sense for Arsenal to take a look at him on loan before deciding on whether to make the signing permanent.

Joe Willock envisions a future playing first-team football alongside fellow Arsenal academy graduate Eddie Nketiah after the latter scored in his first start for the club since returning from a loan spell at Leeds United. 

Nketiah netted the eventual winner on Monday when the Gunners beat Bournemouth 2-1 at the Vitality Stadium to advance to the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Willock—who was also in Mikel Arteta's starting XI on the south coast—said after the game he and Nketiah could become senior regulars at the Emirates Stadium, per Jack Rosser of the Evening Standard: 

"Eddie's probably one of my closest friends. To play with him on a big stage like this is amazing. 

"We've been through so many tribulations together, and we've always tried to keep each other's heads up. To see him score is like me scoring. I'm so happy for him. I’m buzzing.

"It's not impossible you know. We're all thriving, we've all got good ability and we're all hungry to work hard and try to play. I feel like eventually it will happen, hopefully it will."

Bukayo Saka—another academy product—continued to impress in his left wing-back role against the Cherries, scoring the opener before assisting the decider, via BT Sport (UK viewers only):

Nketiah joined Leeds on temporary terms at the start of the season and looked set for a breakthrough campaign at Elland Road, but he returned to Arsenal at the beginning of January. The 20-year-old ended up making just two starts in 17 Championship appearances, netting five times in total for Marcelo Bielsa's side.

Arteta brought the forward on as a late substitute during a 1-1 draw at home to Sheffield United in mid-January, and he scored within 26 minutes of his first Arsenal start since January 5, 2019.

The head coach picked out the homegrown trio of Willock, Nketiah and Saka for special praise in his post-match press conference, per journalist Layth Yousif:

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta on his Young Guns: "They are the core of this team at the moment and they are doing brilliantly. They were mature and Bukayo [Saka] Joe [Willock] and Eddie [Nketiah] were terrific." #BOUARS #FACup pic.twitter.com/VP738gYYFX

— Layth (@laythy29) January 27, 2020

Along with those English talents mentioned, the Gunners will have high hopes for youngster Gabriel Martinelli, 18, and Matteo Guendouzi, 20, each of whom have already made a first-team impact at the Emirates.

Nketiah spent the vast majority of his development in Chelsea's academy, joining Arsenal in 2015 and earning his senior debut under Arsene Wenger two years later (September 2017).

It's perhaps no surprise former Wenger understudy Arteta also appears to value the forward, who gave a mature response following a memorable performance, via BT Sport:

"Mikel is trying to bring the philosophy of the Arsenal passing way."

After finishing off a 22-pass team move Bukayo Saka was delighted to see Mikel Arteta's coaching pay off. pic.twitter.com/9A4sXszpco

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 27, 2020

Willock, also 20, has made 15 starts in 27 total appearances this season and appears to have a future in the squad despite playing just one minute in Arsenal's last four Premier League outings.

Club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be available for Sunday's trip to Burnley following suspension, but Nketiah's fourth senior goal for Arsenal has reminded of the value he can offer the team in future.

Bukayo Saka believes Mikel Arteta is reestablishing "the Arsenal passing way" since his appointment as the club's manager. 

The Gunners have endured a campaign to forget so far, sitting down in 10th place in the Premier League table. However, since the arrival of the new boss there's been an uplift in positivity at the Emirates Stadium, with the team improving their results and playing a more attractive brand of football.

On Monday, they kept their hopes of FA Cup glory alive, as Arsenal ran out 2-1 winners. Saka opened the scoring on the night and afterwards he told BT Sport (h/t James Westwood of Goal) he's delighted with the work being done by the coach.

"Mikel's trying to bring back the philosophy, the Arsenal passing way, and I think we played really good football in the first half," said the 18-year-old.

Here is more of what Saka had to say about the team and the manager following the win at the Vitality Stadium:

"Mikel is trying to bring the philosophy of the Arsenal passing way."

After finishing off a 22-pass team move Bukayo Saka was delighted to see Mikel Arteta's coaching pay off. pic.twitter.com/9A4sXszpco

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 27, 2020

In his breakthrough campaign, the teenager has been able to add a productive edge to the Arsenal team:

Bukayo Saka (18) has contributed to 10 goals across all competitions so far this season.

• 22 appearances
• 3 goals and 7 assists
• 0.6 goal contributions per 90

Just under 1,500 minutes played, including 900 in the league; Arsenal have a gem. pic.twitter.com/SnVQVor3RD

— SCOUTED (@scoutedftbl) January 27, 2020

Although Saka played as a wide forward during his youth career, this term he's frequently filled in as a left-back for the Gunners, with Sead Kolasinac and Kieran Tierney suffering with injury issues.

Playing in defence didn't dampen his attacking enthusiasm on Monday, though, with Saka hammering an unstoppable shot past Bournemouth goalkeeper Mark Travers from a tight angle:

What a hit from Saka!

A well-worked move from Arsenal and the youngster crashes it home with real venom!

Travers had no chance 🚀 pic.twitter.com/IHS63GNZhl

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 27, 2020

Eddie Nketiah doubled Arsenal's advantage before the interval from Saka's cross; Bournemouth's response came too late, with Sam Surridge grabbing a consolation goal in injury time.

The Gunners will fancy their chances of progressing in the next round, as they were drawn away to League One outfit Portsmouth.

The match was an indication of what Saka is capable of, as he's caused many sides problems with his speed, directness and ability to make smart decisions when he does get forward.

Following the game, the Gunners manager paid tribute to Saka, as well as a number of other young players who made their mark on the match:

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta on Bukayo Saka: "Left-back is not his natural position but we are trying to help him. He gets his head down, he is willing to learn and I am so pleased with him at the moment." #BOUARS #FACup pic.twitter.com/Js7KqA4xFA

— Layth (@laythy29) January 27, 2020

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta on his Young Guns: "They are the core of this team at the moment and they are doing brilliantly. They were mature and Bukayo [Saka] Joe [Willock] and Eddie [Nketiah] were terrific." #BOUARS #FACup pic.twitter.com/VP738gYYFX

— Layth (@laythy29) January 27, 2020

Arteta would have been delighted to see these rising stars shine in Monday's encounter, and that bodes well for the rest of the campaign. With Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Europa League campaigns to negotiate, these Arsenal tyros should get opportunities to show what they can do frequently.

The fact Saka has been able to adapt so well to an unfamiliar position is testament to his intelligence and versatility. While his future perhaps lies further forward, the games he's been given at left-back will surely be beneficial to his overall development.

Barcelona are reportedly keen on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, but Mikel Arteta wants the striker to remain an Arsenal player beyond the January transfer window.

Gunners boss Arteta spoke after watching his side beat Bournemouth 2-1 on Monday to reach the fifth round of the 2020 FA Cup. He addressed the speculation about Aubameyang and what it means for the 30-year-old's future, per Football.London: "I want Auba here 100 percent and I can't wait to have him back after his suspension."

Aubameyang, who has been banned for Arsenal's last three matches after the red card he received during a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace earlier this month, has been heavily linked with a move to the Camp Nou.

The Telegraph's Matt Law reported how Barca consider Aubameyang the prime target to offset the loss of Luis Suarez, who is out until at least April while he recovers from knee surgery. Law also noted the Blaugrana will approach the Gunners this week but are wary the north London club will want more than £50 million for the leading goalscorer in the squad.

Valencia's Rodrigo Moreno is an alternative to Aubameyang, whose Arsenal contract expires in just under 18 months, per the report.

Arteta's declaration of faith suggests Barca are wise to worry about how much a deal for Aubameyang might cost. Arsenal would naturally want to avoid losing the man who has scored 16 goals in all competitions this season, including 14 in the Premier League.

There is no denying Aubameyang's value, but the time may just be ripe for the Gunners to cash in. His age is a factor, although there is no sign of deterioration in Aubameyang's skills or production.

A more compelling reason to sell comes from the youthful talent Arsenal also have at the position. Specifically, 18-year-old Gabriel Martinelli has already made his mark by scoring 10 times since arriving from Brazil last summer.

Martinelli assisted Bukayo Saka's opener against the Cherries to further justify the plaudits his obvious potential has merited:

Gabriel Martinelli has been directly in 12 goals in the 12 games he has started for Arsenal:

⚽️ 10 goals
🅰️ 2 assists

Ronaldinho was right. 😉 pic.twitter.com/oLB9wlWxxl

— Squawka (@Squawka) January 27, 2020

While Martinelli has made an instant impact, the Gunners still have faith in academy graduate Eddie Nketiah. Still just 20, Nketiah is a natural finisher who was recently recalled from a loan spell with Leeds United.

Nketiah showcased his quality in the box by coolly tucking away Arsenal's second at the Vitality Stadium. There's a ruthless efficiency about the way Nketiah takes his chances:

4/9 - Eddie Nketiah has scored with four of his nine shots on target for Arsenal in all competitions. Opportunity. #FACup #BOUARS pic.twitter.com/qR0MVNKfxs

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 27, 2020

A quality like that could help compensate for losing Aubameyang's influence if he was to move on. He's still a natural in and around the area, a versatile striker with unerring instincts as well as the pace to stretch defences.

Yet as productive as Aubameyang has been since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in the winter of 2018, numbers show the Gunners can cope without their attacking talisman:

7 - Arsenal have avoided defeat in all seven games without Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this season (W3 D4), averaging 2.6 goals per game without him compared to 1.5 goals per game with him in the side. Absent. #FACup #BOUARS pic.twitter.com/zaS3iPDZ2F

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 27, 2020

Alexandre Lacazette is already established as Arteta's centre-forward of choice, with Aubameyang usually played out wide to accommodate the Frenchman. Lacazette is under contract until the summer of 2022.

Keeping both would seem beyond a club lacking the funds to retain top stars and also add fresh talent to the many suspect areas of the squad. Arteta needs to bolster a fragile defence and add creativity to midfield.

Lacazette isn't the consistent goalscorer Aubameyang is, but his work-rate and range of movement fit the high-intensity pressing game Arteta brought with him from Manchester City. At 28, Lacazette is also younger, perhaps a consideration for Arteta, who seems likely to rely on youth while he rebuilds Arsenal:

Gabriel Martinelli - 18
Bukayo Saka - 18
Eddie Nketiah - 20
Reiss Nelson - 20
Matteo Guendouzi - 20
Joe Willock - 20
Kieran Tierney - 22
Ainsley Maitland-Niles - 22
Lucas Torreira - 23
Hector Bellerin - 24
Nicolas Pepe - 24

Some of the young talent Mikel Arteta has to work with. pic.twitter.com/WscZLxtI1B

— bet365 (@bet365) January 27, 2020

The Gunners have had a chance to find out what life without Aubameyang would be like during his suspension. With burgeoning talents like Martinelli and Nketiah catching the eye and funds needed to fix other positions, now could be the ideal time to take advantage of Barca's need for a proven striker to support Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann. 

Brazil icon Ronaldinho has heaped praise on Arsenal youngster Gabriel Martinelli, saying he reminds him of his former international team-mate Ronaldo.

Martinelli has shone in his first season with the Gunners, establishing himself as an important member of the first-team squad. His influence has been unexpectedly significant in 2019-20, having only signed from fourth-tier Brazilian club Ituano in the summer.

Per John Cross of the Daily Mirror, Ronaldinho was quizzed on the 18-year-old and he said his compatriots are excited about what Martinelli can accomplish in the game:

"We as Brazilians are very excited about him and his future. It is one thing to have the talent, but another at the age of 18 to have the confidence.

"He reminds me of Ronaldo. His first season in Europe he scored 30 goals and people were thinking: ‘who is this 18-year-old Brazilian kid?’ He wanted the ball, he would run at players, there was no fear no matter what players or team he was playing against—and I see that similar attitude in Martinelli.

"He just wants to be on the ball and score goals. Ronaldo went on to be the best player in the world, and that can also be the aim of Martinelli."

Martinelli has enhanced his reputation in recent outings, scoring crucial Premier League goals for the Gunners in draws against Sheffield United and Chelsea.

His strike in the latter came at the end of a blistering run on the counter:

🕹 #CHEARS

🏃‍♂️ 67 yards to goal
⏱ 8.4 seconds to get there

✅ Challenge accepted pic.twitter.com/Nsudpcs4tW

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 23, 2020

That goal took Martinelli into double figures in all competitions for the season already, and as OptaJoe noted, it's been a long time since a teenager managed that haul for the Gunners:

10 - Gabriel Martinelli is the first teenager to score 10+ goals in a single season for Arsenal (all competitions) since Nicolas Anelka in 1998-99. Wonder. #CHEARS pic.twitter.com/Y79dUpXFS3

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 21, 2020

Given Arsenal only paid a reported £6 million to sign the teenager, already he is looking like a stunning acquisition from the club.

Considering his age, the pressure that comes with playing for Arsenal and step up in quality he will have faced since the transfer, it's remarkable that he's been able to have such a huge impact for the Gunners.

The goal against Chelsea epitomised all the exciting traits Martinelli has showcased so far, as he's quick, direct and an excellent finisher.

While comparisons with a legend like Ronaldo feel premature, Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has also tipped Martinelli to reach the summit of the game:

Gabi’s gonna be a superstar 🙏🏽 Not because of the Goal because of the attitude Energy and mindset ☝🏽

— AUBA⚡️ (@Auba) January 18, 2020

Although Arsenal would have been keen to slowly transition Martinelli into life in European football, his performances are making it difficult for manager Mikel Arteta to leave him out of the team.

The Gunners are in action against Bournemouth on Monday in the FA Cup fourth round. It's a match Aubameyang is suspended for, and after two goals in Martinelli's last two games, Arteta will surely turn to the teenager again to ensure the team have an edge in front of goal.  

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said he doesn't want to put too much pressure on young forward Gabriel Martinelli following his excellent start to life at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners signed the Brazilian from Ituano in the summer, and he was anticipated to play a minor role in north London this season. However, Martinelli has made rapid progress, culminating in a brilliant solo goal in his side's 2-2 draw with Chelsea in the Premier League on Tuesday.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal's meeting with Bournemouth in the FA Cup fourth round on Monday, Arteta said he's wary of demanding too much, too soon from the 18-year-old, per FourFourTwo:

"I would like to talk about potential, more than what it is at the moment, because for him there is still a long way.

"The stature of this club, to give him the key to do that straight away is not fair on him. We have to bring him down. I want him to train with his head down every day hard, and slowly he will start to earn the praise if he does what he needs to do every day, but it is not about one or two days."

Arteta also said he'd "heard a lot of things" about the forward before he was appointed manager of the Gunners in December.

Martinelli's goal against Chelsea summed up why so many Arsenal supporters are excited over his potential, as he showed remarkable speed and composure to net at Stamford Bridge:

🕹 #CHEARS

🏃‍♂️ 67 yards to goal
⏱ 8.4 seconds to get there

✅ Challenge accepted pic.twitter.com/Nsudpcs4tW

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 23, 2020

Per Squawka Football, it's been a long time since a forward so young was able to have this big an impact at Arsenal:

Gabriel Martinelli is the first teenager to score 10+ goals across all competitions for Arsenal in a single season since Nicolas Anelka in 1998/99.

Just 18-years old. pic.twitter.com/Uyny0PHD5u

— Squawka (@Squawka) January 21, 2020

With Nicolas Pepe arriving for a club-record fee in the summer to join the likes of Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as attacking options for the Gunners, it was expected that Martinelli would be a long way down the pecking order.

However, he has been able to adapt to his new surroundings brilliantly, excelling in the cup competitions and more recently the Premier League.

ESPN FC noted that Martinelli's productivity ranks alongside some of the standout goalscorers in the English game:

Minutes per goal this season (all comps):

Gabriel Martinelli - 112
Jamie Vardy - 127
Raheem Sterling - 132
Mohamed Salah - 144 pic.twitter.com/kdGgDfinFV

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 21, 2020

Martinelli has also showcased aerial strength and a positive work ethic out of possession, and Arsenal skipper Aubameyang thinks the Brazilian is destined for big things:

Gabi’s gonna be a superstar 🙏🏽 Not because of the Goal because of the attitude Energy and mindset ☝🏽

— AUBA⚡️ (@Auba) January 18, 2020

With the captain suspended for the match with Bournemouth on Monday, it will be interesting to see whether Arteta does opt to start the teenager again, despite the calls for patience over his development.

After goals in his past two matches, he will surely be desperate to feature. However, if Arteta does leave him out of the side, it may indicate he views Martinelli as a key part of his best XI moving forward, with Premier League results potentially taking precedence.

Arsenal will continue their quest for FA Cup glory on Monday, when they visit Bournemouth in the fourth round of the competition.

The Gunners edged past Championship high-flyers Leeds United in the previous round, with Reiss Nelson's goal decisive in a 1-0 win at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal were outplayed for long spells of the contest, though.

For Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe, there are big decisions to make over team selection. While he will want to go far in the competition, they are in a perilous position in the Premier League, and you sense avoiding relegation is their priority.

                

Odds

Bournemouth: 67-20

Draw: 53-20

Arsenal: 83-100

Odds courtesy of Caesars.

           

Date: Monday, January 27

Time: 8 p.m. (GMT), 3 p.m. (ET)

TV Info: BT Sport (UK), 

Live Stream: BT Sport website (UK), ESPN Plus (U.S.)

       

Arteta's first game in charge of Arsenal was an away trip to Bournemouth, and he will want his team to showcase the progress they have made during the month he's been in charge.

That day, the Gunners were able to fight to a 1-1 draw against the Cherries, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on the scoresheet. The Gabon striker will not be available for this encounter because of suspension, though. The same goes for David Luiz, who was sent off against Chelsea on Tuesday.

It means Arteta has a number of big selections to make for this tie, and the team he fields will offer us an indication of how seriously he's taking the tournament. Last time out in the FA Cup, he went with a strong XI, which was just enough to get the better of Leeds:

Nelson will not be available for this encounter because of injury, meaning too much rotation on the flanks is unlikely. It also means Arsenal supporters may get to see Gabriel Martinelli in action again after he starred in the 2-2 draw with Chelsea.

The Brazilian scored a sensational solo goal at Stamford Bridge, taking him to double figures for the season:

Gabriel Martinelli is the first teenager to score 10+ goals across all competitions for Arsenal in a single season since Nicolas Anelka in 1998/99.

Just 18-years old. pic.twitter.com/Uyny0PHD5u

— Squawka (@Squawka) January 21, 2020

James Dall of ESPN FC wants to see the teenager become a permanent fixture in the Arsenal team:

Martinelli is a monster. Works is absolute nuts off. Is fearless. Clearly has an instinct of where to be to score goals. Potential is so huge. Build the team around him, Mikel.

— James Dall (jamesdall.bsky.social) (@JamesDall_) January 22, 2020

Bournemouth have tended to rotate their squad significantly in the cup competitions in recent years, even when they have been relatively safe in the Premier League.

Howe would have been pleased with the way the team played last time out, as they ran out 3-1 winners against Brighton & Hove Albion. That ended a run of four consecutive top-flight losses, although they remain in the danger zone in 18th.

Per Match of the Day, overall Bournemouth have struggled to notch wins in front of their own supporters:

That was Bournemouth's first home win in the #PL since November 🍒

Watch on @BBCOne ➡️ https://t.co/N6no44rfQe#bbcfootball #MOTD pic.twitter.com/eGccvUSAHC

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) January 22, 2020

If Bournemouth field a strong side, start well and get the supporters behind them, then they have it in them to give Arsenal some issues.

However, the FA Cup is likely to be more of a priority for Arsenal given the team is languishing in mid-table. Arteta may make some tweaks to his setup, but the starting XI should be good enough to get the Gunners over the line.

                 

Prediction: Bournemouth 1-2 Arsenal

Arsenal are reportedly in negotiations with Brazilian club Flamengo over the signing of defender Pablo Mari.

According to Sky Sports, the Gunners want to sign Mari on loan until the end of the season, with an option to purchase him outright included in any deal. He is poised to have a medical in London this weekend ahead of any possible switch.

According to Charles Watts of Goal, "Arsenal hope to wrap up a deal imminently" for the Spaniard. Watt also shared footage of Mari arriving in England:

Football writer Paul Brown provided more information:

#AFC not expecting any problems tying up signing of #Flamengo CB Pablo Mari. Player wants to come. Agent a close friend of Raul Sanllehi. Arteta knows him from his #MCFC days. Ticks all boxes. Medical booked. Release clause is £25m but Arsenal paying around £8m.

— Paul Brown (@pbsportswriter) January 25, 2020

The 26-year-old was formerly on Manchester City's books, although he never made a senior appearance for the side. He was loaned out between 2016 and 2019, with Girona, NAC and Deportivo la Coruna taking him for a season each.

New Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be well aware of what Mari is capable of, having worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant manager at City for three years.

Mari moved to Flamengo in July, and he quickly established himself. He helped the team win the Copa Libertadores in November, starting the dramatic 2-1 final win over River Plate, as well as the Brazilian title.

He has clearly improved during his time in Brazil, although it will be fascinating to see if he can adapt to English football.

Football writer Tim Stillman noted there are stylistic similarities between the Gunners and the South American champions:

Stylistically, Mari makes sense. Flamengo play aggressive, possession based football with a high defensive line and Mari is left footed (unlike any of Arsenal’s other centre backs). Not sure what his ceiling is though, decent but not a world beater imo.

— Tim Stillman (@Stillmanator) January 25, 2020

On Friday, Arteta rated the club's chances of signing someone new in this window as "50-50," and it would appear he is close to securing his first acquisition since taking over at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal need defensive cover. Not only have they struggled all season with underperforming players, but Arteta looks set to be without Calum Chambers for the rest of the campaign because of injury.

A fresh face in the squad would potentially give the team a necessary boost, with Arsenal down to 10th in the Premier League table. They are next in action on Monday, when they travel to Bournemouth in the FA Cup fourth round.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said he is unsure if the club will make any signings in the January transfer window.

The Gunners have endured a season to forget so far, and although Arteta has steadied the ship to a degree since his arrival at the Emirates Stadium, they remain down in 10th place in the Premier League table.

Arsenal are still in the hunt for the FA Cup and will face Bournemouth on Monday in the fourth round. The manager was asked about possible incoming players at his press conference on Friday, per James Westwood of Goal.

"I'm not going to be discussing any links publicly," Arteta said. "It's true that at the back we've been short, but there are other positions. At the moment, I am 50-50 [on anyone coming in]."

Per Westwood, Arsenal have been linked with possible acquisitions in defence, with Shakhtar Donetsk defender Mykola Matviyenko said to be on their radar.

As Kaveh Solhekol of Sky Sports News relayed, Arteta was able to see the defender in action firsthand earlier in the campaign when the Ukrainian giants twice took on Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League:

Shakhtar Donetsk want £30m for Arsenal target Mykola Matviyenko. His agent says the clubs are in talks about a deal for the centre back. Matviyenko played twice against Man City this season when Mikel Arteta was assistant coach there. Arsenal want a centre back but prefer loan

— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) January 23, 2020

Ukrainian football writer Zorya Londonsk provided further details about what Arsenal would be getting if they were to bring in Matviyenko:

Relatively young still (23) and impressed none other than Pep in games v City in UCL in recent couple of seasons - linked with them earlier this Jan

Kept Ronaldo at bay for Ukraine last March & part of UKR defence that conceded 3rd least goals in Euro Q campaign - 4 in 8 games pic.twitter.com/GnM8Fhuwus

— Zorya Londonsk (@ZoryaLondonsk) January 22, 2020

There has also been talk of possible outgoings at the Emirates Stadium, with Real Madrid loanee Dani Ceballos' future seemingly uncertain.

"I had a conversation with Dani," Arteta said of the speculation. "I heard about those things, but I have nothing to comment. He needs to get back to fitness and fight for his place."

Ceballos, who enjoyed a fantastic start to his loan spell this season, is looking for a way out of Arsenal in this window, according to Goal's Charles Watts. The Spain international has struggled to break into the team since the arrival of Arteta, with the 23-year-old's last appearance coming in November.

James Dall of ESPN FC noted that Arsenal are already lacking depth in midfield positions:

Arsenal need midfielders but are happy for Dani Ceballos to end his loan spell?

— James Dall (jamesdall.bsky.social) (@JamesDall_) January 23, 2020

James McNicholas of The Athletic doesn't think the Spaniard would be remembered fondly at Arsenal if he was to depart:

If Ceballos terminates his loan now, he will absolutely be remembered as Denis Suarez mk II.

— gunnerblog (@gunnerblog) January 23, 2020

Ceballos excelled earlier in the season, providing a thrust and ingenuity to the team's midfield. However, his consistency disappeared and an injury in November left him sidelined. Mesut Ozil's return to favour under Arteta means there is now more competition in the attacking midfield positions, too.

The Gunners are unlikely to compete for a top-four spot in the Premier League, as they sit 10 points behind Chelsea in fourth. Arteta will be keen to shine in the cups, although some acquisitions will be needed if they are to be serious contenders for silverware.