Pablo Mari wants permanent stay at Arsenal

Pablo Mari is hopeful that Arsenal will sign him on a permanent deal at the end of the 2019-20 campaign.

The 26-year-old joined the Gunners on loan from Flamengo during the January transfer window and has made two appearances for the English giants, including a Premier League outing against West Ham United.

Mari has revealed that he is keen to sign a long-term deal with the English outfit, while the Brazilian has also lavished praise on the club's head coach Mikel Arteta.

"I have a lot of things to learn but I think my football can be really good with the Arsenal," Mari told Sky Sports News.

"I hope the club and I can go at the end (of the season) with good things to do the permanent transfer. We will see what happens because at the moment with the virus it is difficult.

"He (Arteta) has done really well so far. I'm really happy to work with him. He has helped me with my weaknesses and improved the strengths. I hope I can work with him a lot of years."

As it stands, the centre-back's loan deal is due to expire at the end of June, but the agreement could be extended due to the coronavirus outbreak.