According to Citta Celeste, Arsenal have decided to sell Pablo Mari, as Mikel Arteta doesn’t believe he’s suitable for Premier League football.
What’s the story?
Well, it was Arteta who signed the Spaniard from Flamengo, although he is now looking to sell the defender.
Mari spent last season on loan at Udinese, where he appears to have impressed some of the bigger sides in Italy.
Citta Celeste believe AC Milan and Lazio are keen to sign the 28-year-old, although Arsenal’s €15m (£13m) asking price is deemed to be too high.
AC Milan will consider meeting the asking price if they cannot sign Sven Botman, a player who is also firmly on the radar of Newcastle.
In Lazio’s case, they are open to taking Mari on a season-long loan, although the Gunners want to offload him on a permanent basis with William Saliba returning to north London.
The centre-back made 18 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring two goals.
It has been said that Mari – who David Luiz called “amazing” – is keen to leave the Emirates Stadium, and he now looks set to get his wish as Arteta puts him up for sale.
Arsenal could enjoy win-win by selling Pablo Mari
Interestingly, it has been mentioned that Arsenal are also keen to sign Botman, who – as aforesaid – is wanted by AC Milan and Newcastle.
Therefore, if the Gunners end up victorious in that transfer battle, they could force AC Milan into signing Mari as an alternative, which they are already considering.
That would see Arteta land an exciting target, and also ship off some dead wood, so it could be a win-win scenario for the north Londoners in every sense.
Of course, that is hugely hypothetical, but it would be an ideal situation for Arsenal.
Keep an eye on this saga, as anything could happen this summer.
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