Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has hailed his centre-back signing from the January transfer window after Saturday’s clash with West Ham in the Premier League.

With Calum Chambers being hit by an injury blow in December which will keep him out for the remainder of the season, Mikel Arteta had to bring in a short-term replacement for the Englishman.

As a result, the Gunners boss decided to secure the loan acquisition of Pablo Mari, who only recently made his debut for the club after his move to the Emirates stadium in January.

Mari featured on Monday night as Arsenal defeated Portsmouth 2-0 at Fratton Park to make it to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

That performance was followed by another clean sheet as the Spanish defender helped his side secure a 1-0 win over West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

Thus, Arteta was asked about the possibility of Mari featuring again in the Gunners’ next fixture this week and the Arsenal boss went on to applaud the defender’s show of quality.

“Good point, I have to take your advice there! If it is as simple as that, hopefully we do it again at Manchester City and see if we get a clean sheet!” Arteta responded to whether Mari would start again when Arsenal face Manchester City (via Arsenal.com)

“He is doing well, he’s adapted really well – it is not an easy league and a central defender, in my opinion, to play in the Premier League is one of the toughest positions to play for any foreign player.

“But he is very willing, he is learning and he has a good experience and understanding with his team-mates.”

Be the first to receive breaking news about Arsenal!