Arsenal have received a more advantageous offer for Pablo Mari from a second Serie A side, and one trusted source declared he will ‘100 percent leave’ the Gunners.
William Saliba showed English audiences exactly what he is capable of on Friday night. After three successive loan spells back to France, the 21-year-old centre-half is primed and ready to finally make his mark in north London.
In fact, Saliba already has a man of the match award under his belt for his part in helping Arsenal keep Crystal Palace at bay last night. Sky Sports commentator Jamie Carragher chose Saliba and waxed lyrical about his display throughout the contest.
And with Gabriel Magalhaes, Ben White and Rob Holding also on the books, Pablo Mari is now surplus to requirements.
The 28-year-old Spaniard spent last season on loan in Italy with Udinese. He returned to Arsenal in the summer, though looks on course to leave once more before the window slams shut on September 1.
Serie A pair Monza and Hellas Verona have both been tipped as potential landing spots. Indeed, Monza have already lodged a loan offer that included an obligation to buy if they avoid relegation next season.
Pablo Mari to aid incomings cause?
That offer may have tempted Arsenal, though would do little to boost their finances in the here and now. Indeed, Mikel Arteta hinted more signings could arrive this month and selling players at the same time will bolster their transfer kitty.
Italian outlet Gianluca Di Marzio report Monza’s loan-to-buy approach has since stalled. However, per Fabrizio Romano, that is actually good news for the Gunners.
That’s because fellow suitor Verona have now offered a permanent deal that would generate funds immediately.
The size of their offer isn’t stated, though Romano did stress Mari is ‘100 percent’ likely to leave Arsenal this summer.
Saliba showing proves Arsenal correct
Questions had been asked as to why it took three years for Saliba to make his Arsenal debut. However, given the Frenchman’s imperious showing at Selhurst Park, one can only state Arsenal got their development strategy right.
Indeed, Sky pundits Carragher and Gary Neville were effusive in their praise post-match.
“I think the most important thing for young players is just to play,” Neville said on Sky Sports. “He’s got football inside him, I was massively impressed by him. He reminded me of a young Rio Ferdinand.
“Crystal Palace away is a tough away game in the Premier League. They come at you. That’s a big night for him.”
Carragher too joined the love-in, adding: “I thought he was really good. He looks the part, he looks a good player.
“I think Arsenal fans have been excited for this lad for a while… he looks the real deal. Bringing him in certainly adds something. Just his physical stature, will certainly help them in tough away games.”