According to Italian outlet Citta Celeste, Arsenal have decided that they no longer wish to hold onto Pablo Mari.
Pablo Mari joined Arsenal in 2020 from Flamengo but his career in the Premier League hasn’t gone as planned. He failed to find a place in the first XI and in January, he was sent out on loan to Udinese.
At Udinese, he had a pretty decent campaign, featuring in 15 league games and also chipping in with two goals. The Serie A side are now keen to bring him back and this plan perfectly aligns with Arsenal’s decision to get rid of him.
He’s played only 22 games for the Gunners and the North London side will let him leave if a club is willing to match their demand of £13 million.
Pablo Mari had his wedding in Catalunya on Saturday evening. Hector Bellerin was in attendance.
Congratulations @PabloMV5 pic.twitter.com/TmzNrZ5hFq
— The Daily Gooner – An Arsenal Podcast (@DailyGoonerPod) June 13, 2022
Will Arsenal be able to offload Pablo Mari?
Udinese are obviously interested in taking him back and as per the rumours, Lazio have also been keeping tabs on him.
However, both these sides are looking for a loan deal with an option to buy him next year and we doubt if they will be ready to pay such a steep fee.
AC Milan’s name has also been mentioned in the list of suitors and if they pump up their interest then Arsenal won’t have any trouble bagging their desired fee – otherwise, an outright sale for the said amount looks pretty tough.
Arsenal’s stance is not final yet so there’s every chance the club can agree to a loan deal with an obligation to buy next year.
Should Arsenal hold onto Pablo Mari?
Last season, Ben White and Gabriel did very well in central defence and Mikel Arteta also has Rob Holding as a backup centre-back.
Also, Arsenal have refused to send William Saliba back to France meaning he will join the Gunners squad after the summer break.
Four central defenders are more than enough to compete in the Premier League and the Europa League so there’s no need to hold onto Pablo Mari.
It will make much more sense for Arsenal to get him off the wage bill and reinvest the money elsewhere.
