Arsenal may have to keep paying ‘amazing’ 28-year-old for loan-to-buy exit

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Pablo Mari is keen to leave Arsenal during the January transfer window, but the Gunners would need to pay a percentage of his wage to agree a loan-to-buy deal with Sampdoria.

That’s according to Calciomercato, who report the defender has attracted interest from a host of Serie A sides. Sampdoria are among the clubs interested in taking Mari to Italy with competition from Udinese, Torino and AC Milan. Flamengo are also considering a deal.

Tracks heading toward Milan and Flamengo are not taking off, however. The Rossoneri and Mengao know he is available, but are yet to make efforts to overcome any rival suitor.

Torino and Udinese are firmer with their interest, while Sampdoria are open to agreeing a transfer for Mari with Arsenal. But Roberto D’Aversa’s side will need the Gunners to keep paying some of the Spaniard’s £85k-a-week contract whilst on loan.

Arsenal are not opposed to sanctioning a temporary transfer for Mari as the centre-half has rarely featured this season. Mikel Arteta started the 28-year-old in the Gunners’ opening two Premier League games, but has not called on him since.

Mari has also only played in one of the north Londoners’ Carabao Cup ties. He was also an unused substitute during their defeat at Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup on Sunday.

Emery could strengthen Arsenal position in Mari transfer talks with Sampdoria

Any temporary transfer for Mari to leave Arsenal, amid Sampdoria’s interest, will also likely feature a purchase clause. The Gunners are yet to decide whether to demand an obligation or to accept an option to buy this summer.

Former Arsenal manager Unai Emery could also help the Emirates Stadium natives in any negotiations with Sampdoria over Mari’s transfer. TuttoMercatoWEB report Villarreal are also keen, but only if they sell Pau Torres first, along with La Liga rivals Valencia.

Mari has rarely held a key role since joining Arsenal from Flamengo in a £12m loan-to-buy transfer in January 2020. He was Arteta’s first signing but despite earning David Luiz’s praise, has only made 22 appearances with 14 in the Premier League.

“I’m so happy for Pablo,” he said, via the Daily Star, following Mari’s debut in the FA Cup at Portsmouth in March 2020. “He’s a great guy, a great player and he had an amazing game.”