Pablo Mari had ‘no doubts’ about accepting an offer to join Udinese in a loan transfer from Arsenal and embark on a ‘very important’ period of his career, via quotes by Sky Italia.
The Gunners have sent Mari to the Dacia Arena for the remainder of the season without an option to buy. He had struggled to force his way into Mikel Arteta’s side after the Emirates Stadium natives bought Ben White from Brighton & Hove Albion for £50m last summer.
Mari has amassed just three appearances across all competitions this season, including two Premier league games. He featured in Arsenal’s opening two top-flight fixtures at Brentford and against Chelsea. Arteta also only named him in one matchday squad after September.
The 28-year-old’s last Gunners outing came against AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup on September 22. He was an unused substitute during the semi-final first-leg at Liverpool and in the FA Cup at Nottingham Forest. White and Rob Holding played the third-round defeat.
Mari had ‘no doubts’ over Arsenal exit for Udinese loan transfer
Arsenal initially signed Mari on loan from Flamengo in January 2020 for £4m, before paying £8m for a permanent transfer. But after he fell down Arteta’s defensive pecking order with White his favoured partner for Gabriel Magalhaes, the Spaniard agreed to leave in January.
An offer to join Udinese was too good for Mari to refuse as he assessed his options to leave Arsenal. The centre-half is also grateful that boss Gabriele Cioffi offered the opportunity.
“I thank Udinese for this great opportunity, it will be a pleasure,” Mari said. “Serie A is among the most important leagues in the world, I hope to have a great impact and it will be very important for my career. That’s why I had no doubts about accepting this offer.
“When I went to Flamengo, many told me it was not among the best options for me. But when they tell you not to, the challenge becomes even more fascinating. I have always appreciated Udinese’s work, it has been doing well in Italy for many years.”
Mari will no doubt now want to help Udinese move up the Serie A standings during his half-season loan transfer from Arsenal. Cioffi’s side sit 14th in the table after 21 games, having only won five times all season so far. The Bianconeri have also conceded 36 goals this term.
Arsenal conceded two goals against each of Brentford and Chelsea during Mari’s Premier League appearances this season. But he helped to four clean sheets in 10 games last term.
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