ARSENAL have reportedly stepped up their pursuit of Nahuel Molina as they look to thrash out a deal for the Udinese right-back.
It has been claimed that the Gunners are willing to offer the Serie A outfit Pablo Mari, who is on loan at the club, in any potential deal.
The Spanish centre-back linked up with the Italian side during the winter transfer window, where he has become a key player.
He has scored twice in 15 top-flight matches, with the defender rediscovering his love for the game.
Mari has already urged boss Mikel Arteta to let him stay at Udinese, with the club's sporting director Pierpaolo Marino keen for his temporary stay to be turned into a permanent switch.
It was stated last month how Arsenal were prepared to offer Udinese cash plus Mari in order to land Molina.
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And Calciomercato have now declared that Udinese has received strong interest from Arsenal for the Argentina international.
They add that Molina, who has chipped in with an impressive eight goals and four assists from 36 games in all competitions this season, is also on Juventus and Atletico Madrid's radar.
But it is Arsenal that are so far leading the race to secure the 24-year-old's services, with Udinese keen to keep hold of Mari.
Molina is valued at around £25million, but it remains unclear how much money Arsenal would be willing to fork out as well as offering the ex-Flamengo ace.
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Arteta has identified Molina, who helped Argentina win the Copa America last year, as a potential back-up for Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Cedric Soares has enjoyed a lengthy run in the side as a result of Tomiyasu's injury problems in 2022.
But Arsenal need an upgrade on the Euro 2016 winner as they prepare to play in Europe next campaign.
Though the former Southampton man is happy at the Emirates and will not seek a move away in the summer.
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