Mari appeared close to making the switch from Flamengo to Arsenal after the defender made the trip to London, before then returning to South America.
According to ESPN Brazil, the Gunners didn’t have enough money to complete the deal.
But this is not the end of talks between the two clubs, as there is still a possibility he could join Arsenal on loan for the rest of the season, if the Gunners include a guarantee the player will be signed at the end of the season.
The 26-year-old, former Manchester City centre-back, never played a game for boss Pep Guardiola although has a wealth of experience playing in Spain and Holland before joining Flamengo, who he has helped win the league and the Copa Libertadores.
