Pablo Mari has all the tools to be a success at Arsenal.
That's the view of Brazil legend Rivaldo after watching the Gunners' new loan signing in action for Flamengo in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A as well as the Copa Libertadores last season.
The 26-year-old became Mikel Arteta's first signing as Arsenal head coach when his temporary move to north London was confirmed during the final week of the January transfer window.
Should Mari impress his compatriot between now and the end of the season he could earn a permanent contract at the Emirates Stadium.
And Rivaldo has backed the central defender to make the most of being handed another chance in Europe after being loaned out several times by Manchester City.
"I think Pablo Mari will fit in very well at Arsenal and in the Premier League," Rivaldo told the Evening Standard. "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."
Rivaldo's comments are sure to excite Gunners supporters as many have been screaming out for defensive reinforcements stretching all the way back to Arsene Wenger's reign.
Meanwhile, Arteta's vision for Mari certainly falls in line with what Rivaldo has said.
"For me it's very important [Mari being left footed]," Arteta said during his pre-Burnley press conference. "He balances what I want to do from the backline.
"He gives us more options, more solutions and opens up the pitch more.
"He is a player we have been following for a couple of months that we are very happy to have."
