Arsenal signing Pablo Mari admits he looked up to manager Mikel Arteta as a junior player.

Mari is delighted to now be playing for Arteta.

"There have been some wonderful Spanish players to play for Arsenal," Mari told Arsenal Player. "Fabregas, Cazorla, Reyes… they're all great Spanish players that have passed through this club.

"One of those legends that we have with us now is Mikel. He was a very important player for Arsenal and now this is a new project for him as coach, but I think he's going to repeat what he achieved when he was a player.

"Personally I look up to him and the career he had at Arsenal. That's what I've been working for all these years.

"I'd love to be at Arsenal for a long time and I hope to give the Gunners some victories to celebrate again."