Pablo Mari has reportedly emerged as a target for Hellas Verona, as the defender is unwanted at Arsenal and could continue playing in Serie A.
According to the print edition of Gazzetta dello Sport, as relayed by Udinese Blog, Pablo Mari could become a target for Hellas Verona, with the defender free to leave Arsenal in the summer transfer window. The Spanish centre-back finished the season strongly at Udinese, and their former manager Gabriele Cioffi set to demand the defender at Verona.
Pablo Mari proved he has the mettle to continue playing in Europe after spending half a season with Udinese since January. The Spanish defender left Arsenal on a dry loan to the Serie A club in the January transfer window and put himself firmly in the market.
After playing the first two games of the season at Arsenal, Mari quickly dropped down the pecking order, as Mikel Arteta never selected the centre-back until his departure in January. Instead, the Gunners preferred to play with Gabriel Magalhaes and Ben White, with Rob Holding as the club’s third centre-half.
Udinese offered a lifeline for the defender, as they took him on loan. Mari performed admirably at the Serie A club, making 15 appearances in the league. However, as no buy option was attached to the deal, the Friulani enquired about the defender to Arsenal and subsequently backed out after learning their asking price.
Mari feels he can continue to pursue his career in Serie A, and Arsenal are willing to entertain offers. AC Milan were briefly interested in the centre-half and may yet come back for the defender if they fail to bring in their priority targets at the back.
Hellas Verona are the latest club to show an interest in Mari, with manager Gabriele Cioffi pushing the Serie A club to approach Arsenal. The Verona boss managed the Spaniard last season at Udinese and is keen on a reunion at the Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium.
Arsenal’s reported asking price of €15 million could be out of Verona’s reach, but they could raise cash if they manage to conduct sales. However, Mari might be open to switching, as he knows the manager and is comfortable playing in Italy.
As things stand, Arsenal could be persuaded to do business for less than their asking price, as the Gunners might be under pressure to sell players and raise funds. Alternatively, the north Londoners could wait on prospective offers that may come closer to their original asking price for Mari.
