Arsenal defender Pablo Mari is reportedly expected to complete a permanent move to Italian side Monza in the summer.

Mari joined the Serie A newcomers last year on an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy for £5.9m if they avoid relegation.

A very respectable debut season in the top flight sees the club lying in 10th, a long way clear of the relegation zone, so Mari is expected to remain with the side for next season.

That will add some additional funds to Arsenal's summer spending as they look to build a squad capable of challenging domestically and in the Champions League next season, with the Gunners comfortably inside the top four, competing for the title.

The signing of Jakub Kiwior from another Serie A side, Spezia, in January means Mari's replacement may already have been brought in, with football.london reporting that Mari has that clause in his loan that will see him leave on a permanent deal.

Mari has been almost ever-present for Monza this season, apart from during the aftermath of the terrifying ordeal which saw him get stabbed in a Milan supermarket in October.

The Spaniard did not feature again before the World Cup, but returned to action after the mid-season break and has helped the newly-promoted side maintain a solid first season in Serie A. body check tags ::