Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wants to see Pablo Mari signed permanently.

Arteta wants Pablo Mari's loan move made permanent and doesn't believe the defender's injury should stop the deal.

Mari joined Arsenal on loan in January from Brazilian club Flamengo, with the Gunners parting with a fee of around £4million to bring him in.

The centre-back suffered a serious ankle injury on Wednesday during defeat to Manchester City, which looks set to keep him out for the rest of the season.

But when asked if that should stop a permanent move for Mari, Arteta said: “This cannot be affected just because a player gets injured doing his job and defending our club."