Pablo Mari edges closer to Arsenal exit as offers arrive

Arsenal’s Pablo Mari looks set for a move to the Serie A after Hellas Verona joined the race to sign the wantaway centre-back.

The Spanish defender has been one of a number of players linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium this summer, as the Gunners aim to free up some funds.

Having spent last season out on loan at Udinese, Mari now looks set to return to Italy as Hellas Verona and Monza go head-to-head for the ex-Flamengo man’s services.

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Hellas Verona are preparing a bid to land Mari on a permanent basis, with the chances of the Arsenal defender leaving rated at “100 per-cent.”

Currently viewed as surplus to requirements in North London, Hellas Verona’s attempts to sign the 28-year-old permanently has made them favourites in the race for the left-sided central defender.

A reunion with Hellas boss Gabriele Cioffi, the manager of Udinese during Mari’s time on loan at the Friuli, could also play a deciding factor.

Although a decision on Mari’s future is expected soon, the figures associated with the offer made by ‘I Gialloblu’ remain unclear.

Monza, by contrast, are hoping to land the defender on a season-long loan as part of their preparations for their first Serie A season.

The newly-promoted outfit held hopes of convincing Arsenal with an obligation-to-buy included, providing that the Italian club is able to avoid relegation this season.

Monza’s move for Mari, however, is also dependent on their chase for Lazio’s Francesco Acerbi, seen as the club’s primary target.

The veteran defender places Monza in a similar predicament, however, with the likes of Inter, Juventus and AC Milan all keeping a watchful eye on the fancied centre back.

Mari joined the Gunners on loan from Flamengo back in January 2020 before signing on permanently for £5.5 million the following summer.

After just 14 Premier League appearances to his name in two years, however, the centre back was moved out on loan to Udinese last winter, where he’d become a mainstay in Cioffi’s XI.

Mari is just one of a number of players expected to leave Arsenal this summer.

Bernd Leno already departed to Fulham last month, with Lucas Torreira completing a move to Galatasaray this week too.

As well as Mari, Alex Runarsson has been linked to Turkish side Antaalyaspor in the past few days.

Hector Bellerin is also expected to leave to Real Betis.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Nicolas Pepe and Reiss Nelson are thought to be available for sale but moves are not imminent.