Hellas Verona want Pablo Mari as Arsenal seemingly prepare to sell the central defender this summer.
Arsenal have been linked with a left-sided defender in Ajax star Lisandro Martinez.
The idea is for Martinez to play as cover for Gabriel Magalhaes as Arsenal’s left-sided centre back, whilst also covering at left back.
That would almost certainly spell the end for Mari at Arsenal, who doesn’t possess the same versatility as Martinez.
Hellas Verona want Pablo Mari
Mari spent the second half of last season on loan at Udinese after struggling for playing time.
Mari impressed in Italy but it’s unclear whether Udinese will be able to bring the Spaniard back on loan or permanently.
There is now a twist in the tale as Hellas Verona want to sign Mari.
Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Gabriele Cioffi – the man who managed Mari at Udinese – now wants to take him to Verona having taken over there.
That may appeal to Mari given his success under Cioffi with Udinese, but it’s unclear just what Arsenal would want for Mari.
Arsenal paid around £6.8million to sign Mari from Flamengo back in 2020.
You would imagine that Arsenal would want their money back on the defender, whilst claims in Italy suggest a £13million asking price has been set.
Mari may not be a top Premier League defender but was a valuable squad player for Arsenal.
The time may be right to now move on for good, and Cioffi’s move from Udinese to Verona may rule out one Arsenal swap idea.
Italian reports in April suggested that Arsenal were keen on Udinese right back Nahuel Molina and wanted to use Mari in a swap deal.
That may no longer be possible with Udinese’s interest in Mari potentially going away with Cioffi.
It seems unlikely that Verona will be able to come up with £13million for Mari though, meaning this move faces some obstacles.
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