Ft7Ball
According to Italian publication Il Messaggero Veneto, Arsenal are keeping an eye on Udinese’s right-back Nahuel Molina and could use Pablo Mari as a mock weight in a potential summer deal.
Molina, 24, joined the Bianconeri on a free transfer in 2020 after four years in and around the Boca Juniors first team and quickly established himself as a fixture at the Dacia Arena.
His performances in his debut season in Serie A did not go unnoticed with the player earning selection for the Argentina national team – he was set to win the Copa America last summer – and an improved deal.
In this campaign, he scored seven goals and provided four assists in 32 appearances, which is no small feat for a defender.
His form has attracted a number of candidates, including Inter Milan and Juventus, and his value has skyrocketed to the €30m mark.
It is said that Arsenal could cut the price by including Mari, who is currently on loan at Udinese, as part of the deal. The Spaniard is enjoying his time in Italy and has already expressed an interest in extending his stay.
The big question going into the summer is whether Arsenal would be willing to spend a lot of money on a right-back?
Takehiro Tomiyasu has made a real impact at the Emirates Stadium since he switched from Bologna, although his injury problems have taken a shine from his good start.
Cedric has provided solid enough backup so far, but you suspect we might be tempted to upgrade even with Hector Bellerin and Ainsley Maitland-Niles due to the return of their loans and a few youngsters back in the wings. to wait.
Is Molina in the crosshairs? We are experienced enough to know that most swap deal talk is utter nonsense. That’s not to say the player isn’t moving. Udinese has already secured a long-term replacement for Derby’s 19-year-old right-back Festy Ebosele.
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