As a result, he was able to earn a loan move to the Emirates during the winter transfer window and the Gunners have the option to sign him permanently in the summer, provided he is able to prove his worth to the team over the next four months. Speaking to Arsenal TV, Mari has talked up the former Spanish players with the Gunners and even gave the example of manager Mikel Arteta, who served the north London side for five years.
“There have been some wonderful Spanish players to play for Arsenal. Fabregas, Cazorla, Reyes… they’re all great Spanish players that have passed through this club. One of those legends that we have with us now is Mikel. He was a very important player for Arsenal and now this is a new project for him as coach, but I think he’s going to repeat what he achieved when he was a player. I’d love to be at Arsenal for a long time and I hope to give the Gunners some victories to celebrate again,” he told.
Mari should make his debut for the Gunners shortly after the winter break but it is unclear whether he would be drafted directly into the starting XI. Shkodran Mustafi and David Luiz have done a credible job over the past few games but Mari could take up the former’s position, considering the German has the tendency to make mistakes every now and then. Still, he has a tough challenge on his shoulders, given he never made a Premier League appearance with ex-club Manchester City. He was loaned out for each of the three seasons with them.