Pablo Mari is closing in on signing for AC Monza, with the details yet to be finalised as the Italians ponder between a loan and a permanent move.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, via Sport Witness, Pablo Mari is closing in on a move to AC Monza. The newly-promoted Serie A side are keen on the defender, who could become their twelfth summer signing.
Pablo Mari was one of Mikel Arteta’s first ever signings as Arsenal manager, and many believed he could have a good impact at the club. However, injuries hampered him in the beginning before his form dipped, leading to the defender steadily falling out of favour.
Mari was part of the two opening games that Arsenal lost in the Premier League last season and was never seen wearing the club’s colours after that. Arteta benched him during the cup ties during the first half of the campaign and eventually allowed him to depart on loan to Udinese in January.
Mari’s performances in Italy improved and he finished the season strongly. However, back in north London, the return of William Saliba has all but ended any lingering hopes he had of succeeding at Arsenal.
Arsenal initially demanded around €15 million from suitors as Serie A clubs made their interest known. However, the Gunners could agree to lower the asking price or even a loan move if there’s a buy option involved. Monza are looking to bring him temporarily.
The two clubs are discussing a loan move with a buy option, although the report suggests that Monza could also look to give Mari a contract until 2024. That’s when his Arsenal contract ends, and the idea behind the long-term prospect is to give the defender the security to play in the same team for longer.
In the latter scenario, Mari will be expected to take a significant pay cut to join the newly-promoted Serie A side. If the move goes through, the Spanish centre-back will become their twelfth summer signing.
Hellas Verona are also keen on Mari, impressed by his performances from last season at Udinese. However, it seems the Spaniard is already in discussions with Monza, with a move expected to go through.
Arsenal are keen to offload the defender among other players, including Lucas Torreira and Hector Bellerin. They have already sold Bernd Leno to Fulham and will be hoping to trim the squad before the transfer window shuts at the end of the month.
