Arsenal will push to sign Ajax centre-back and Player of the Year Lisandro Martinez in the coming days, according to a report.
Trusted Argentinian reporter Cesar Luis Merlo (via All About Argentina) claims that Arsenal really want to sign Lisandro Martinez, and they’ll push for the transfer in the coming days.
Sky Sports report that Manchester United are also interested in Martinez, with the obvious Erik ten Hag connection, but signing a centre-back isn’t a priority for them right now.
Fabrizio Romano writes that after Ajax turned down an initial €30m Arsenal bid for Martinez, the Gunners plan to make another push.
The Athletic initially reported that though it’s not a top priority, Arsenal are interested in a left-footed centre-back this summer to replace Pablo Mari.
Mari has been given permission to leave permanently, and at this stage, it seems it’s just a case of finding him a new club.
Arsenal therefore made enquiries after Ajax’s Martinez, who is reportedly keen on the move. But Ajax aren’t keen to sell, so there’s some negotiating to be done.
It’s not expected that the signing of a player like Martinez would affect William Saliba’s future, as he’s primarily regarded by Arsenal as a right-centre-back.
It’s on the other side where Arsenal are a little short, with the only real backups to Gabriel Magalhaes being right-footers like Rob Holding or Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Martinez can play at left-centre-back and also at left-back, so he’d offer cover in multiple positions where Arsenal have been short lately.
The 24-year-old made 36 appearances for Ajax last season. He’s a strong passer, good in the air, and he earned positive reviews for his performances as his team won the Eredivisie title again.
