The 29-year-old defender Pablo Mari has left Arsenal to join AC Monza on a permanent transfer. The Spaniard made a permanent move to Arsenal in 2020 after spending a loan spell of six months with the Gunners. He spent two years with Mikel Arteta and co. but found it difficult to be a regular name on the team sheet.
Pablo Mari spent a year on loan with Udinese in 2021-22 and then a year on loan with AC Monza in 2022-23. He became a crucial part of Monza making 30 appearances for the club in Serie A. Monza were happy with his performances and decided to trust in him by signing him permanently for £6 million.
Arsenal announced on their website that Pablo Mari will be leaving the club after joining permanently in 2020. The club thanked him for his services and wished him luck for his future chapter. The 29-year-old defender survived an attack in Italy and had to undergo surgery to recover. He is now back to full fitness and thanks to excellent physical form that helped him survive the attack.
Arsenal are on a spending spree after completing the signings of Kai Havertz, and Jurrien Timber and also signing Declan Rice for a British record fee. The Gunners want to improve more and will have to raise funds through player sales. Letting Pablo Mari leave on a permanent deal was a no-brainer for both parties.
Official, confirmed. Pablo Marí leaves Arsenal to join Monza on permanent deal. 🔴⚪️ #AFC
Understand fee for Arsenal is gonna be around £6m. pic.twitter.com/7HvpCIzgUt
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 30, 2023
Arsenal still have some players who they can sell and raise more funds. It is necessary for Arsenal to invest heavily now. The club is aware after last season that they are capable of putting up a fight. However, now they need to ensure that they win those fights, especially after a disappointing end to an excellent season.
What next for Arsenal after Pablo Mari departs to join AC Monza?
Arsenal have improved the creation department by signing Kai Havertz. The 24-year-old German will certainly not be the one who bears the responsibility to score 30 goals in a season. However, he can help to score those goals throughout the season with his chance creation. Moreover, the Gunners also completed the signing of Jurrien Timber.
That covers their defensive department as well since Timber will help Arsenal keep control of the game with his ability to keep the ball. Arsenal also completed their marquee signing of Declan Rice. The race for Rice is finally over after Arsenal agreed to pay £105 million and break the club transfer record.
That covers the midfield area and also covers the uncertainty looming over Thomas Partey’s future at Arsenal. Nevertheless, the Gunners still need a number 9 striker and a right-back to be absolutely sure entering into the season. Gabriel Jesus is not an out-and-out number 9 much like Harry Kane or Victor Osimhen. Jesus still lacks that kind of presence in the box despite having excellent quality on the ball.
Arsenal are actively looking for options to sign as a right-back. Takehiro Tomiyasu’s injury situation does not boast the confidence of the manager and as well as of the fans. A fit and intense right-back could help them attack from both sides of the pitch. In addition, Arsenal can also profit a lot if they have a backup option for Bukayo Saka to avoid fatigue at the end of the season.
