Arsenal

Arsenal

Premier League • England

Arsenal transfer agreement with bit-part man on the move, as key clause reveals long-term vision

Pablo Mari Arsenal

Arsenal have reportedly reached an agreement with Udinese for the loan transfer of Pablo Mari, with Mikel Arteta making clear his long-term aims for the Spanish defender.

The January window is shaping up to be a busy one at the Emirates. From an arrivals perspective, Gunners fans are eagerly awaiting news on their efforts to land Fiorentina marksman Dusan Vlahovic. To that end, it’s claimed a begrudging Fiorentina have agreed his sale.

However, Arsenal are also looking to move on a number of unwanted stars. As such, Ainsley Maitland-Niles has departed, while the Gunners also hope to move on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Sead Kolasinac is also likely to join Marseille with reports claiming the Gunners could terminate his contract six months early. If done, the 28-year-old could move to France as a free agent this month.

Another exit that should be confirmed this week is that of Pablo Mari.

Indeed, trusted transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reported last week that talks aimed at taking the defender to Udinese are in progress.

Now, citing Gianluca di Marzio, he claims the Serie A side have reached an agreement to sign him on loan.

That is expected to be confirmed before the end of the week, with the Spanish star moving to Italy until the end of the season.

Crucially though, for Mari, is that Mikel Arteta has insisted that the deal does not contain an option to buy.

Pablo Mari still has Arsenal future

And as Romano states, Arteta still sees a future for the former Flamengo man.

Juventus want Aubameyang on loan from Arsenal

Juventus want Aubameyang on loan from Arsenal

Juventus want Aubameyang on loan from Arsenal for rest of season

Despite slipping down the order behind Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes and Rob Holding, the 28-year-old is still very much wanted at Arsenal.

Indeed, it seems Arteta hopes the chance of regular football can work in their favour and see Pablo Mari return hungrier than ever next season.

Mari has featured just three times across all competitions this season.

Arsenal told of major Matteo Guendouzi faux pas

Arteta, meanwhile, has been told he’s deprived Arsenal of a “natural leader” and a perfect candidate to succeed Aubameyang as the club’s captain in Matteo Guendouzi.

The 22-year-old midfielder is currently on loan at Marseille and is producing the performances of his life. His showings have been to such a high standard that he was recently given his maiden cap for France in November.

Now OM coach Jorge Sampaoli claims Arteta was wrong to show Guendouzi the door.

“Aside from his youth, Matteo has a particular energy,” Sampaoli said recently (via the Mirror). “He has a desire to win and he’s a natural leader.

“We imagined that would be the case but that it would happen over time. Seeing this in addition to his performances, we have an energy that everyone can envy.

“It is contagious and it’s a very important value in life. Experience is important for everyone but, for young people, sometimes difficult events are not good experiences. There is also personal capacity on the mental side.

“Guendouzi, for example, he is a 22-year-old but he acts like he is 30. The most important thing is maturity.”

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