Arsenal are considering an approach for Nahuel Molina and could be willing to offer Pablo Mari in part exchange for the right-back.
According to Messaggero Veneto, Arsenal could be willing to include Pablo Mari as part of the deal to sign Udinese right-back Nahuel Molina in the summer. The Gunners are in the hunt for a new right-back to compete with Takehiro Tomiyasu and could approach the 24-year-old Argentine star.
Takehiro Tomiyasu was heralded as one of the top signings following his arrival in the summer, considering how much the Japan international stabilised Arsenal’s defence. The full-back’s injury record since January has cast a doubt in the minds of those in charge of the Gunners, leading to the possibility of bringing in another competing right-back in the upcoming window.
There is also the case of Cedric Soares leaving in the next window, which would leave Arsenal short at right-back. The north Londoners are eyeing several options with Norwich City’s Max Aaron also a target in the close season, while there could be other names popping up in due time.
Arsenal want a reliable player at right-back who could compete with Tomiyasu next season. Arteta is seeking a player of a different profile to the Japanese international so that he can rotate depending on the opponent.
With Tomiyasu considered more in the defensive mould, the new right-back could be an attacking one. Hence they are linked with Nahuel Molina in the summer, with the Udinese star proving to be an influential presence from the right-back slot.
Molina has notched seven goals and four assists during the 2021/22 season in all competitions. The defender continues to grab the attention of sides such as Arsenal and Atletico Madrid. The north Londoners may have a plan to lure the 24-year-old Argentine in with a part-exchange offer possibly on the cards.
Udinese have Pablo Mari on loan from Arsenal, having joined the Italian side in January. The Serie A team want to make the 28-year-old Spaniard’s signing permanent in the summer, although they may struggle =to put together a package for the centre-back.
Arsenal are reportedly willing to include Mari in a deal for Molina, which could benefit both teams. While the Argentine has a contract until 2026, the Italian side could demand a reasonable sum with or without Mari in the equation.
Arsenal seem to have a considerable summer budget and could be willing to match whatever is necessary if Arteta believes Molina is the right fit for his squad. As things stand, talks have not begun over any move, and it could commence once the season ends, as the Gunners are focused on securing a top-four finish in the remaining five games of the season.
