Pablo Mari's Arsenal career looks to be all but over amid rumours he is attracting interest from Italy.
With the likes Gabriel, Ben White, William Saliba and Rob Holding all ahead of Mari in Mikel Arteta's pecking order, it seems the best move for both parties for the Spaniard to leave this summer.
Arsenal's opening day 2-0 win against Crystal Palace saw Saliba and Gabriel impress at the heart of the Gunners defence, with Ben White shifted out to right-back.
Mari arrived in North London in January 2020, making 16 appearances in all competitions during the COVID-19 hit 2019/20 Premier League campaign. He made just three appearances the following season and spent last the second half of last term away on loan with Serie A side Udinese.
READ MORE: Virgil van Dijk responds to William Saliba's masterclass for Arsenal at Palace
The Gunners have done some good business this summer but are now keenly focussed on trimming down the fat from their first team squad.
So far, they have managed to shift Alexandre Lacazette, Nuno Tavares, Arthur Okonkwo, Bernd Leno and Folarin Balogun either out on loan or permanently.
Lucas Torreira and Mari look set to be the next two players out the door this summer, with the former linked with a move to Turkish side Galatasaray.
On Saturday, football transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano claimed the Gunners have received two offers from Italy for Mari, with Hellas Verona and Monza both said to be keen on signing the 28-year-old.
Romano wrote: "Arsenal have received a new bid for Pablo Mari: Hellas Verona are offering permanent deal, Monza pushing for loan with obligation to buy in case they stay in Serie A next season. Decision expected soon but Pablo Mari will 100% leave Arsenal."
A move away from Arsenal for both Torreira and Mari will leave Arsenal with 15 overseas players in their first team squad, which is an important factor to consider when it comes to any more potential signings. No more than 17 overseas players can be named in the 25-man Premier League squad.
Their departures would pave the way for Arsenal to make a move for both Youri Tielemans and Cody Gakpo.
READ NEXT:
Every word Mikel Arteta had to say on Saliba's debut, White at right back and Arsenal victory
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest updates and rumours from the Emirates Stadium
Full Arsenal Premier League fixture list for 2022/23
Big Arsenal Forum: Answer the call as we ask fans 7 key questions
Arsenal player ratings vs Crystal Palace as Saliba stars, Ramsdale impresses but White struggles
