Pablo Mari has been at Arsenal for a little over a year but the big Spaniard is really blossoming into an excellent defender under Mikel Arteta.
Mari originally joined the Gunners on loan from Flamengo last January and later made the move permanent during the summer of 2020, despite being injured at the time.
There were reservations among Arsenal fans that signing an injured centre-back was the right choice, but the former Manchester City youngster – who stands at 6’4 – has been exceptional for the North Londoners in recent weeks, particularly in the draw against Burnley this past weekend.
But there’s now speculation about him returning to his homeland this summer.
According to El Gol Digital, Villarreal, who are managed by former Arsenal boss Unai Emery, are keen on signing the 27-year-old as a long-term replacement for Pau Torres.
The report suggests that Mari’s lack of game time overall this season could tempt him into a return to Spain.
But it is worth pointing out that one reason why the big man has only made six Premier League appearances – all from the first XI – is because he was injured for the first half of the campaign more or less, so it isn’t a case of Arteta not rating him.
The truth is that as of right now, the Spanish boss is probably absolutely over the moon with Mari and it’ll be a big shock if he or Edu decide to get rid during the summer.
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