Arsenal defender Pablo Mari has reportedly emerged as a transfer priority for Turkish giants Fenerbahce.
According to Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu, Fenerbahce have set their sights on Pablo Mari. The Arsenal centre-back has been included in the club’s list of three defensive targets ahead of the new season as coach Jorge Jesus looks to bring in an additional centre-back this summer.
The Turkish giants have endured an eventful summer transfer window so far. They have had to part ways with Mesut Ozil and Ozan Tufan, but at the same time, they have roped in Emre Mor, Lincoln, Joshua King and Bruma, among many others.
But after signing a slew of attackers, coach Jorge Jesus is now looking for reinforcement in the defensive unit. It appears the Portuguese tactician wants more competition for the central defenders such as Steven Caulker, Marcel Tisserand and Attila Szalai, who has been subjected to a move away from Fenerbahce as well.
The Hungarian international was indeed a target for several Premier League earlier in the summer. And although he may remain at Fenerbahce, the club are in desperate need of fresh faces who can become the face of the future backline.
To that end, the Turkish giants are eyeing a move for Pablo Mari. The Arsenal defender is coming on the back of a loan spell at Udinese and is starting to attract significant interest from clubs across Europe. Italian clubs, in particular, have been eyeing a move for the Spaniard lately, with Hellas Verona among the interested parties.
It appears Fenerbahce are set to provide fresh competition in the race to sign Mari. The Spaniard has no future at Emirates, especially following the return of William Saliba, who is coming on the back of a highly successful loan spell at Marseille this past season.
Although Arsenal are running the risk of losing Gabriel Magalhaes this summer, the Gunners are confident of their chances of keeping hold of the Brazilian. In fact, the Londoners are reportedly looking for suitors for Mari, who is valued at around €15 million.
Arsenal had signed the former Flamengo starlet for a combined fee of around €14 million. So it is not a surprise to see them trying to recoup that value, although given the defender’s lack of progress, they may find it difficult to find any suitor willing to splash €15 million on the Spaniard.