Fabrizio Romano has tweeted an update regarding Arsenal’s Pablo Mari who seems set to join Italian side Udinese on loan for the remainder of the 2021/22 season.
Pablo Marí deal. Udinese director Marino: “We’re gonna sign another centre back soon, this is our plan – I can confirm we’re in talks to sign a new defender”, he told Sky. ⚪️🇪🇸 #AFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 15, 2022
Arsenal’s Pablo Mari Set for January Move
Udinese Deal Close
Mari was Mikel Arteta’s first signing as Arsenal manager in the 2020 January transfer window when he joined on loan from Flamengo and then penned a permanent contract until the end of the 2023/24 season, but he has seen little game time since.
Now, both the club and player feel he will benefit from a loan move away from the Emirates Stadium.
Struggle for Game-Time
Following the suspension of football due to the coronavirus outbreak, Mari damaged his ankle and, since his recovery, has been unable to force his way into the Arsenal team.
During the current campaign, the Spaniard has made just three appearances for the first team. He played in the Gunners’ losses to Brentford and Chelsea earlier this season, as well as featuring in the 3-0 win over AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup in September 2021.
Ben White has been favoured at centre-back alongside Gabriel since the Englishman’s arrival, and if one of that pair were to get injured it is more likely that Arteta would replace them with Rob Holding. Hence, Mari is faced with the reality that he is not yet going to make the grade at Arsenal.
Wages
Arsenal are paying Mari £85,000-per-week, a high price for someone who rarely plays, so if they are unable to sell the player the next best option is to allow him to join another team on a temporary basis with at least some of his salary being covered and then prove that he can break into the first team in the future.
It now seems that his chance to show what he can do will come in Italy with Udinese.
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