Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says 'legal issues' have held up the club's deal for Pablo Mari.

The defender is on loan from Flamengo, but Arsenal want to make the move permanent.

And the Gunners are close to announcing a deal, despite Mari injuring his knee in last week's loss to Manchester City.

"We have been trying to get the deal done because we are happy with what Pablo can bring to us," Arteta said.

"The club is trying to finalise the deal and they will announce that as quick as possible when it is sorted.

"There were some legal issues there to get done but our intention clearly is to keep him."