Arsenal look to use Pablo 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.

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