Arsenal defender Pablo Mari is on the verge of joining Serie A side Udinese on loan for the remainder of the season.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the Spanish centre-back is ‘close’ to signing for the Italian club on a short-term deal. Mari has hardly featured for the Gunners this season, and now the defender looks all but certain to sign for Udinese on loan.
Mari’s last first-team appearance for Arsenal came in September against AFC Wimbledon in the League Cup, a fixture which took place well over 100 days ago and a statement of intent from Mikel Arteta on who he prefers in the centre-back positions.
Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes have started the majority of games this season for the Gunners, with Rob Holding and Calum Chambers proving to be Arsenal’s preferred backup options in cup games.
Indeed, with Mari the oldest of the five centre-backs on Arsenal’s books, it makes sense why the defender is now close to signing for Udinese on loan for the season.
The Udine-based club currently sit 14th in the Serie A table. However, with Mari set to sign for Udinese soon, the arrival of the Spaniard will be a huge coup for the historic Italian club.
Arsenal are making a smart move loaning Mari to Udinese
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Getting another player surplus to requirements out the door is another good move from Arsenal. Yet Mari to Udinese could prove to be a profitable decision for the Gunners should the defender impress.
The Italian club are owned by the infamous Pozzo family, who also have ownership over Watford and Granada CF. And if Mari can impress with Udinese, the centre-back could win a permanent move to any of these sides in the summer if Arsenal are open to selling the defender.
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