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Arsenal centre-back Pablo Mari has revealed that he wants to stay in Serie A after joining Udinese on loan during the January transfer window, potentially opening a route for WIlliam Saliba to return to the Emirates.

Mari found himself on the fringes of Mikel Arteta's side during the first half of the campaign, making just two Premier League appearances. Since joining Udinese, the Spaniard has become a regular, missing just two matches as he re-establishes himself as a first-team star.

Gabriel Magalhaes and Ben White have formed an impressive partnership at the heart of Arsenal's defence this season and with Rob Holding now first-choice back-up, opportunities would likely be limited for Mari were he to remain in north London for the 2022-23 campaign.

Now the 28-year-old has made his desires clear. While he will still have two years remaining on his Arsenal deal come the end of the season, his hear remains in Italy. “I’d like to stay in Serie A next season," he said in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport via Fabrizio Romano. ""I’m under contract until June 2024 with Arsenal – but I’m so happy here at Udinese.”

Mari's departure could leave