Report: 27-year-old ‘leader’ seriously considering leaving Arsenal as CL club try to sign him

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Pablo Mari is ‘seriously’ considering leaving Arsenal now, according to the latest report in AS Sport.

The Arsenal centre back is said to be of interest to Besiktas, who are looking to land him on a loan deal for a season.

And it is claimed that the Spaniard, who Mikel Arteta has hailed as a ‘leader’ (London Evening Standard), is giving real consideration to the offer, as Besiktas have Champions League football on offer.

A blow?

If Arsenal were to loan Mari out it would surely show confidence that they are going to sign Ben White, who has seemingly become their top choice target.

Arsenal are said to be confident of completing a deal, although Everton’s interest has complicated matters somewhat (Daily Mail).

Right now, letting go of Mari would look rather foolish, as he looks one of Mikel Arteta’s side’s more solid options.

But if White does arrive and take a starting place it is difficult to see where Mari fits in, with Rob Holding and Gabriel both seemingly ahead of him in Arsenal’s pecking order.

Mari’s departure would likely be a controversial move from the Gunners though, especially on loan.

There is a widespread feeling among Gunners fans that he is one of their better options at the back, and if they were to loan him out, the pressure on White to catch the eye almost immediately would only ramp up.