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Arsenal close in on Portuguese star just 18 months after £40m transfer

Midfielder has started just three games for title hopefuls this season after falling out of Luciano Spalletti's plans

INTER MILAN have reportedly put Arsenal target Joao Mario up for sale.

Tuttosport via TMW claims the versatile midfielder will be available for £26million in January, just 18 months after joining Inter in a £40m move from Sporting Lisbon.

Inter Milan are ready to sell Joao Mario in the January transfer window

EPA
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Inter Milan are ready to sell Joao Mario in the January transfer window

Mario has become an increasingly isolated figure at the San Siro after starting just three Serie A games this season.

Luciano Spalletti prefers the likes of new signings Borja Valero and Matias Vecino in the centre of the park.

And Mario could now be on his way to England, with Arsenal believed to be interested in his services.

Reports claim the Gunners are ready to sell contract rebel Mesut Ozil to Barcelona in a £20m deal this winter.


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The midfielder has started just three Serie A games this season

EPA
4
The midfielder has started just three Serie A games this season

And his exit would free up a space in Arsene Wenger’s squad for another attack-minded midfielder.

Mario has shown he is capable of playing through the middle or out on the wings..

And his tenacity could provide Arsenal with another dimension as they look to get the ball into the final third.

However, there is sure to be interest in Mario from elsewhere if he is truly up for sale, with Paris Saint-Germain strongly linked last summer.

Mario will be available for £26m, just 18 months after joining for £40m

AP:Associated Press
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Mario will be available for £26m, just 18 months after joining for £40m

Arsenal could look to sign Mario as a replacement for Barcelona target Mesut Ozil

PA:Press Association
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Arsenal could look to sign Mario as a replacement for Barcelona target Mesut Ozil