Pablo Mari completes loan transfer to Udinese from Arsenal after falling out of favour under Mikel Arteta

SERIE A side Udinese have confirmed the signing of Pablo Mari until the end of the season.

The 28-year-old defender joins from Arsenal on a short term loan deal after falling out of favour at the Emirates.

2

2

Mari has made just three appearances for the Gunners in all competitions this campaign, with his last being the Carabao Cup win over AFC Wimbledon in September.

But despite being frozen out by Mikel Arteta, the loan deal does not include the option to make the move permanent.

Speaking to Udinese's official account, Mari said: "I'm so happy to be here, it's a pleasure.

"I want to say hello to all the Udinese fans, I'm here to give everything for that shirt and the club.

"And I hope that we're going to get a lot of wins here and at away games, so we need you."

And writing on social media himself, Mari said: "Happy and proud! I can't wait to start this new adventure and give my all for the black and white shirt and for its fans! FORZA UDINESE!"

Most read in Football

GUNNER BE MISSED

Ben White ruled out for MONTHS in major blow to Arsenal title hopes

D'OR OPEN

Rodri opens door to astonishing Real Madrid move despite Ballon d'Or snub

MAN DOWN

Premier League clubs rebel against Man City and agree new financial rules

TOP BOSS

Southgate's England sidekick Steve Holland ‘to take first ever manager's job'

JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)

A statement on Udinese's described Mari as a: "Player who combines physical strength with technical qualities and great skill in aerial play, all precious characteristics that have brought him to the top European stages."

Mari initially joined Arsenal on loan from Brazilian side Flamengo, before making the move permanent six months later.

But match time has been hard to come by this campaign after £50million summer signing Ben White has struck up a solid partnership with Gabriel at the back.

Mari becomes the second player to leave Arsenal in two days after Sead Kolasinac joined French side Marseille yesterday.

The Gunners agreed to rip up his contract six months early and leave on a free transfer, with Kolasinac no longer in Arteta's plans.

⚽ Get all the latest Arsenal news, updates and transfer gossip with our live blogs