Pablo Mari is close to completing a transfer to Monza, though it’s likely to be on a loan deal with a purchase clause.

Di Marzio reported on Tuesday that Pablo Mari was getting closer to a move to A.C. Monza from Arsenal, with all parties keen to close the deal within 48 hours.

The same source added that ideally, the deal will be done on Wednesday. Mari was keen on the option of joining Hellas Verona, but in the end, he’s heading for Monza instead.

Sky Sport Italia and Goal (via Football-Italia) report that a deal should be finalised in the next couple of days for a loan with an obligation to buy if they avoid relegation.

Arsenal442 write that Mari is close to completing the move, preparing to undertake his medical and sign contracts very soon.

The Arsenal outlet repeat that Monza are working on a loan with a clause to make his deal permanent.

Aside from brief links to Fenerbahce towards the end of July, the majority of the summer interest in Mari appears to have come from Serie A.

Initially, it looked like Mari could return to Udinese, following his loan spell there last season. The Italian side even reportedly made a bid, but that was as far as it went.

After that, Hellas Verona started to take over the headlines, with Udinese boss Gabriele Cioffi moving to Verona and seemingly hoping to take Mari with him.

But Monza look to have stolen in at the last moment to hijack the deal for themselves.

Monza finished fourth in Serie B in 2021/22, but they achieved promotion via the play-offs with a dramatic extra-time victory over Pisa. They’re now looking to bolster their squad with the addition of a defender with some Serie A experience.

Mari made 15 appearances for Udinese last season, joining them towards the end of the January window. A return to Italy looks like his best option this summer.