Mikel Arteta is still on the hunt for a defender as Arsenal seem to have hit a snag in their negotiations with Flamengo for Pablo Mari who is reportedly already on his way back to Brazil as Arsenal prepare for their FA Cup match today against Bournemouth.
Arsenal, who face Bournemouth tonight in their FA Cup 4th round fixture is in desperate need of defenders as their backline has been their biggest shortcoming this season.
Hopes were that Pablo Mari would be joining the Gunners after arriving in England for his medicals on Saturday from Brazil. The club does, however, report that negotiations are still ongoing between the two clubs with Arsenal hoping to have the Spanish defender joining their squad before the close of the transfer window.
With David Luiz still unable to play due to his suspension, it is most likely that Rob Holding will be partnering up with Sokratis who is expected to make his return into today’s matchup against Bournemouth.
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Gabriel Martinelli will also make the starting line-up as Aubameyang is still serving out his last game suspension. The 18-year-old Martinelli has scored in Arsenal’s previous two Premier League matches and has racked up a total of 10 goals for the club this season
This is the first time that Arsenal and Bournemouth have ever met in the FA Cup. After having pulled off an amazing comeback to draw with Chelsea after being 10 men down, Mikel Arteta will be looking for a win against Bournemouth as Arsenal still remaining in the running for the FA Cup title.