Barcelona great Rivaldo is backing Pablo Mari to be a big hit at Arsenal.

Mari joined Arsenal on loan during the January transfer window from Flamengo, although the Gunners have the option to make the move permanent in the summer.

Rivaldo has seen plenty of Mari in Brazil and told the London Evening Standard: “I think Pablo Mari will fit in very well at Arsenal and in the Premier League.

“He is a good player that struggled to impose himself in Europe as a loaned player of Man City for a while, but he really convinced people being part of a great Flamengo team last season.

“He is very complete as a defender - capable of bringing the ball forward when necessary and a threat on set pieces. He has good passing skills as well and I liked what I saw from him.

“In Brazil, everyone has good opinion about him, and he could be a very successful option for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta."