Arsenal fans have urged Mikel Arteta to trigger the club's permanent option for Pablo Mari. The Flamengo loanee made his Gunners debut in the 2-0 FA Cup win against Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Monday evening.
Mari, 26, has had to wait patiently for a chance in Arteta’s first team following his temporary switch in the January transfer window.
But he caught the eye at the back as Arsenal progressed to the FA Cup quarter-finals thanks to Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Eddie Nketiah goals either side of the half-time break.
Arsenal supporters took to Twitter during the match to beg Arteta and the club to tie up a permanent deal for Mari, whose loan deal contains an option to keep him on a full-time basis.
“Mari is class, I’ve seen enough. Sign him permanently,” wrote one fan.
“Can we sign Mari permanently already please????” a second asked.
“Going to be honest, although it's only Portsmouth, Pablo Mari is looking incredible. So calm and composed and ain't scared of a tackle. Sign him up!” a third commented.
“Pablo Mari looks DEEEEcent!!! Sign him up and play him in the prem,” another said.
While another outlined their wishlist by writing: “I'd definitely sign Ceballos permanent even if it costs like 40 million. Bring in Partey possibly and another cb and then Mari permanent also.”
Mari made two appearances for Arsenal’s Under-23 team before finally making his first-team bow.
Arsenal loanee Pablo Mari reacts on his maiden appearance for the club (Image: GETTY)
Arsenal loanee Pablo Mari in action against Portsmouth (Image: GETTY)
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After watching him in action for the reserve team last month, Arteta admitted he had been “surprised” by the defender’s “attitude and commitment”.
“Well, I watched the game but I could not be there for a personal reason,” the Arsenal head coach said.
“But, I was very glad that those two were there to support him.
“When he joined the club he hadn’t played for a long time and he had a little niggle as well well when he joined us, but his attitude and commitment has been really, really good and highly surprising.
“He did really well the other day and hopefully we can start to use him soon.”