Arsenal defender on his way to Udinese

Arsenal defender Pablo Mari is reportedly on the verge of joining Serie A club Udinese on loan.

The centre-back showed plenty of promise in his early Gunners career, but he has dropped down the pecking order this term.

The Spaniard has not played a competitive game since September, and he has now been permitted to leave on a temporary deal.

It was initially suggested that he could return to Flamengo, but Fabrizio Romano reports that Udinese have won the race.

The Italian outfit won't have the option to buy him during the summer, but the Gunners are open to negotiating with them.

The Gunners have so far loaned out Folarin Balogun and Ainsley Maitland-Niles. An official announcement for Mari is due soon.

Meanwhile, there is speculation that Cedric Soares could also be loaned out. Atletico Madrid are reportedly keen on his services.

The Portuguese has been identified as a replacement for Kieran Trippier, who left for Newcastle United earlier this month.