Udinese working on Pablo Mari loan

Udinese are in talks with Arsenal over the proposed loan transfer of Pablo Mari for the second half of the season, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Mari has lost his place in the starting XI at the Emirates, with manager Mikel Arteta preferring Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes in the heart of his back line at the moment. Udinese are apparently prepared to cover a significant part of the centre-back’s wages to have his services at their disposal as they battle to leave the conversations about relegation from the Serie A as soon as possible. At the moment, the team led by Gabriele Cioffi sit in 14th place with 20 points, four more than Cagliari in 18th.

Arsenal are open to letting the 28-year-old leave North London on a temporary basis, though they won’t agree to giving Udinese an option to make the switch permanent at end of the season. Mari’s contract with the Gunners expires in 2024.