Pablo Mari tells Arsenal fans exactly what they want to hear about his loan move and the future

Pablo Mari has said he is excited to fight for Arsenal after completing his loan move to the Gunners.

The Spanish defender became Arsenal's first signing of the January transfer window, after putting pen-to-paper on a loan deal from Flamengo until the end of the season.

Mari helped the Brazilian side win the Serie A title and the Copa Libertadores last season, as well as impressing in the Fifa Club World Cup final against Liverpool.

But the 26-year-old has now joined the Gunners on an initial loan deal until the end of this season for a fee of £4million.

The six stages to a football medical

He is the Gunners' first signing of the Mikel Arteta era after Arsenal initially let three players leave the club on loan early in January, and his arrival has gone down well with supporters.

And the Spanish centre-back has sent a message to Arsenal fans to express his delight at joining the Gunners, adding that he is proud to be part of the club.

In a video posted by the club on social media, Mari said: "Hello Gooners family. I am happy to be here with a big club. I’m excited to fight together and defend that shield together, and proud to be in the Gooners family.”