defender Pablo Mari is close to completing a loan move to Italian side AC Monza.
Mari has been surplus to requirements at the Emirates for some time now, having never really looked up to the speed of the Premier League since his £5.4million move from Flamengo in January 2020.
He has made just 22 appearances for Mikel Arteta’s side and spent the last half of last season out on loan at Serie A side Udinese and earlier this summer it was reported that the centre-back would be returning there permanently.
But instead, Mari will be joining Monza as they embark on their very first season in Italy’s top-flight and reports that should they avoid relegation they will be obligated to buy the 28-year-old for €5m (£4.2m).
The Spaniard, who was once on the books of Manchester City, is one of several departures Arsenal can expect to see in the coming weeks before the transfer window closes.
Hector Bellerin looks likely to return to Real Betis permanently after his loan there last season, while unwanted goalkeeper Runar Alex Runarsson is a target for Turkish side Antalyaspor.
Arteta is also looking to offload Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Reiss Nelson on either a loan or permanent deal, as Arsenal look to lessen their huge wage bill after yet another summer of high-spending.
The North London side have splashed nearly £120million on Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fabio Vieira, Matt Turner and Marquinhos as they look to challenge at the top of the Premier League once again.
They have already shown several big names the exit door including Alexandre Lacazette, Matteo Guendouzi, Lucas Torreira and Bernd Leno.
Arsenal kicked-off the new Premier League season with a 2-0 victory at Crystal Palace last Friday and will look to continue their winning start when they play Leicester at home on Saturday.
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