ARSENAL are reportedly set to ship out Pablo Mari on loan to Udinese – just hours after saying they couldn’t field a team to play Tottenham.
The much-anticipated North London derby was postponed on Sunday, with the Premier League accepting the Gunners’ claims that injuries and Covid had decimated their squad.
But now, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, they are ready to sanction letting centre-half Mari leave.
The Italian journalist posted on Twitter that the agreement between the two clubs has been ‘completed’ and that the deal is ‘set to be signed’.
He will join the Italians immediately on loan, but there is no option to buy at the end of the season.
The 28-year-old has made just two Premier League appearances all season for Arsenal.
He played the full 90 of the 2-0 opening-day defeat to Brentford and then the duration of the 2-0 home defeat to Chelsea.
The Spaniard’s only other game this season came in the Carabao Cup in a 3-0 win against AFC Wimbledon.
BETTING SPECIAL – GET £40 IN FREE BETS ON THE AFCON
But the fact that Arsenal are prepared to let one of their senior players leave is surprising following their weekend postponement.
Opponents Tottenham slammed the Premier League for calling their derby clash off, believing having injuries and absences due to the African Cup of Nations should not come into play.
Only ONE Arsenal absentee was due to Covid-19 with Martin Odegaard currently out after contracting the virus.
Although reports have since suggested that the Gunners have registerered another positive test AFTER the game was already called off.
As the backlash continued, the Premier League were forced to release a lengthy statement explaining how they reached the decision.
Part of it read: “With Arsenal having fewer than the required number of players available for the match (13 outfield players and one goalkeeper), the Board accepted the club’s application.
“The decision is a result of a combination of COVID-19, existing and recent injuries and players on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.
“All clubs are able to apply for a postponement if COVID-19 infections are a factor in their request.”
Read our Transfer News Live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals
