Reports suggest that Arsenal’s first-ever signing under manager Mikel Arteta, Pablo Mari, is set to be sold in the summer transfer window. The Gunners’ sporting director, Edu, is already in the process of trimming the first-team squad and raising funds ahead of next season. Football London reports that Mari, who is currently on loan at Monza, is a highly likely candidate to depart from the Emirates. Talks will only take place if Monza avoid the drop, but an agreement is highly likely. The Gunners appear set for a £5.9 million windfall from a possible deal involving Mari.
Mari is among the Arsenal loanees that could command a transfer fee in the summer along with Nicolas Pepe, Folarin Balogun, and Nuno Tavares, who currently play at Lille, Reims, and Marseille respectively. The Spaniard was Arteta’s first-ever signing back in January 2020 when he arrived on loan from Flamengo. The centre-back signed a permanent deal six months later but failed to break into the Spanish tactician’s line-up and was shipped out on loan at Udinese in January 2022.
The 29-year-old stayed at the Stadio Friuli for six months and was then loaned out to Monza where he has since been going from strength to strength. Mari hit the ground running upon his arrival at the Stadio Brianteo in August. The defender’s momentum was cut short in October when he fell victim to a deadly knife attack in a supermarket near Milan that left one dead and five others injured. The ex-Manchester City player underwent surgery and had two muscles repaired.
Mari returned to action less than two months later after the incident and has since continued to impress in Palladino’s backline. However, it seems that his time at Arsenal may be coming to an end. The Gunners are looking to raise funds and trim their squad ahead of next season, and Mari could be one of the players sacrificed.
Arsenal fans may be disappointed to see Mari go, especially given his impressive performances at Monza. However, the Gunners will be hoping to use the funds raised from his sale to strengthen their squad in other areas. It remains to be seen where Mari will end up next season, but it seems likely that he will be playing his football away from the Emirates.
Overall, it seems that Arsenal are preparing for a busy summer transfer window. With several players potentially leaving the club, Arteta and Edu will be looking to bring in new faces to strengthen their squad. It remains to be seen who will come in and who will go out, but one thing is for sure – Arsenal fans can expect plenty of activity over the coming months.