Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal’s January signing has already surprised him

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has admitted, in comments reported by Football London, that he has already been pleasantly surprised by Pablo Mari, and insisted that he is hopeful of being able to use the January signing very soon.

Mari is awaiting the chance to make his first-team debut for the Gunners after arriving last month. But the supporters have been able to catch their first glimpse of the centre-back playing in an Arsenal kit.

The 26-year-old featured for 45 minutes for the under-23s in their recent defeat to Chelsea. And Arteta hinted that it may not be too long before he makes his senior bow for the club.

“I watched the game, I could not be there for personal reasons but I was very glad that those two were there supporting him,” he said, as reported by Football London, when asked about the under-23 game and whether Hector Bellerin and Dani Ceballos had any feedback.

“Obviously he joined the club and didn’t play the game for a long time. He had a little niggle as well when he joined us but his attitude and commitment has been really, really good and highly surprising and he did really well the other day and hopefully we can start to use him soon.”

TBR View – Tough task facing Mari

There was a time shortly after Arteta’s appointment where it appeared that any defensive signing in January would have an opportunity to walk into Arsenal’s side.

However, Arteta has overseen an upturn in form in a number of areas, including at the heart of the defence.

Shkodran Mustafi and David Luiz have kept two clean sheets in a row. And while it may be too soon to suggest they have turned a corner, they have certainly improved.

While that leaves Mari with a tough task getting into the side, he may be pleased that it may also remove some of the pressure on him.

Arteta can take his time to introduce him into the side. And once he does arrive, he may have a number of in-form players around him.