Edu nearly ended up looking a little silly.
Arsenal’s technical director flew to Brazil last week and on Friday brought Pablo Mari back with him. There was talk of a medical for the Flamengo player to join the Premier League club, and widespread confidence a transfer was sealed.
However, there were two very different stances in the English and Brazilian media.
Back in Brazil they found claims of a potential loan a little odd. Why would Flamengo loan out a first team player just for Arsenal to try and then buy in the summer should they so wish?
Now he’s coming back to England again, report Globo Esporte, for a medical and to sign his contract with Arsenal. Actually, they state he’s ‘already signed’.
The English club have got their way with a loan, but are paying a mighty €5m for it. Come the end of the temporary spell, in June, Arsenal will have the option to make the move permanent.
Globo say the figure on the option is being kept a secret, but it’s pretty sure someone in Brazil will report it sooner or later.