Mikel Arteta has confirmed he wants to sign Pablo Mari on a permanent basis this summer despite the defender's season-ending injury.
The Spanish defender arrived from Brazilian side Flamengo on loan in January and has made just three appearances for the Gunners.
He was injured during Wednesday night’s defeat at Manchester City and is now expected to miss the remainder of the campaign with ankle ligament damage.
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But Arteta says the injury will not change his plans for the summer and that securing Mari permanently remains a priority.
“Yes,” said Arsenal’s head coach, when asked directly if we wants to complete a permanent move for the 26-year-old.