Arsenal look to use Mari as Edu identifies cash plus player transfer proposal

Arsenal are reportedly looking to use Pablo Mari as a potential makeweight in a transfer move for Udinese star Nahuel Molina.

Molina and Mari have played alongside each other in defence at the Stadio Friuli, helping I Bianconeri to secure a mid-table finish in Serie A. Mari has spent the second half of the campaign on loan from the Gunners at the Italian club, while this is Molina's second season at Udinese after joining from Boca Juniors in 2020.

The 24-year-old has starred at right-back for Gabriele Cioffi's side, making 36 appearances in all competitions. He has been a creative force despite his defensive positioning, scoring eight goals and notching four assists.

Mari has also become a key player since moving to Italy in the January transfer window, starting all but two games in that time. Udinese have been keen to bring him back and that appears to have opened the door for Arsenal to complete a move for Molina.

According to Ole, Molina's performances have 'put him in the window' for the summer, with Arsenal interested in 'acquiring his services'. The Gunners are 'willing to negotiate' with Udinese in order to sign the Argentine international.

The Serie A side value Molina at around £24.5million, but the Gunners are said to be ready to make a player-plus-cash offer. The player that sporting director Edu is set to use is Mari, who is said to have already told Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta of his 'desire to continue' at Udinese.

HAVE YOUR SAY! Should Arsenal use Pablo Mari as part of a deal to sign Nahuel Molina? Comment below.

That means he is now set to be part of the negotiations that could see Molina move to the Emirates Stadium in return. Mari has two years remaining on his contract, but appears to have fallen well down the pecking order at the Gunners.

And since arriving at Udinese, he has frequently made his desire to extend his stay at the Serie A side clear. Back in April, the Spanish defender had hinted that he wished to remain at Udinese beyond the end of his loan deal.

"When I arrived in January, I had a clear and precise idea. I told the coach and Gino Pozzo that I was coming to play. But I realized that I had to earn the job day after day, training after training. Cioffi was the first who welcomed me, well, here," he told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"It's the right championship for me. Very tactical. I try to bring the attacker towards me and here it can be done and then there is battle and I like the battle on the pitch in Italy. I am very well in Udinese.

"And I would be happy to take the club even higher in the standings. Of course, I still have two years on my contract with Arsenal playing continuously after the operation on my left ankle. I was out for five months. We always fight and play to win. I like it and Italy is very similar to my Spain."