Arsenal defender Mari heads to Serie A new boys Monza on loan

Arsenal defender Pablo Mari has joined newly promoted Serie A club Monza on loan for the duration of the 2022-23 season.

The 28-year-old Spaniard, who joined Arsenal – initially on loan – in January 2020, made just two Premier League appearances as Mikel Arteta preferred Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes at the heart of his backline last season.

Mari spent the second half of last campaign on loan at Udinese, for whom he played 15 times, and has now returned to Italy with the Silvio Berlusconi-owned club.

Since winning promotion via the Serie B play-offs last season, Monza have made a remarkable 19 signings, including Italy internationals Matteo Pessina, Stefano Sensi and Andrea Ranocchia.

Monza will host the first Serie A game in their history when they face Torino on Saturday.