Arsenal are refusing to commit to a permanent transfer to Pablo Mari due to concerns about his ability to adapt to English football, according to reports.
A transfer for Mari appeared to be on the verge of completion when the centre-back landed in London last weekend.
Mari underwent a medical and Arsenal had agreed a loan deal with his club, Flamengo, with an obligation to buy.
However, Arsenal are now insisting on a loan deal without a commitment to purchase Mari at the end of the season.
ESPN Brazil claim Arsenal have reservations about bringing Mari on board on a permanent basis as he has not played in the Premier League yet.
Mari was a Manchester City player for a short spell, but never played for the Sky Blues and spent those three years out on loan.
Flamengo snapped Mari up in 2019 and the defender did play against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool in the Club World Cup final last year.
The Brazilian side are adamant that the loan deal must include an obligation to buy, but talks are set to continue between the clubs.
Arsenal have until Friday to get the deal over the line, with the winter transfer window set close at 11pm on 31 January.
The Gunners have been linked with a host of defenders, as Mikel Arteta is desperate for reinforcements at the back.
Arsenal’s fragile defence continues to hamper Arteta’s new reign, but club chiefs are struggling to convince rivals to part with their players.
The Gunners’ job is made even more difficult by a lack of transfer funds this month.
Arsenal are focusing their efforts on loan deals rather than permanent signings after a busy summer of spending, which included the club record deal for Nicolas Pepe.
Arteta has remained tight-lipped about Arsenal’s transfer plans in the final days of the window, saying on Monday night: ‘We are in the market and the club is trying to facilitate one or two bodies if we can with the resources that we have in this window.’
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