Information reaching us has it that top English club Arsenal FC are reportedly pressing to sign Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez. The deal is speculated to cost the Gunners a huge £30million.
Initial talks have already taken place with Arsenal willing to offer around £25m for the Argentina international, however, Ajax have dismissed that figure and want more with the knowledge they have other clubs willing to bid.
Meanwhile, the 24-year-old can play as a centre-back, left back and centre midfield. According to reports in The Athletic, Arsenal believe Martinez can offer competition to established left-sided centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes while also providing cover for Kieran Tierney at left back.
Arsenal’s late season issues came to the fore when Tierney was ruled out for the remainder of the campaign, with Mikel Arteta often having to resort to using unnatural players in the position. Were Martinez to arrive, it is likely that Nuno Tavares would depart, seemingly on loan although reports have suggested that they would sell the Portuguese for the right price.
Martinez is a current Argentina international and helped his country win the inaugural Finalissima against Italy at Wembley this month. He was an understudy to Cristian Romero and Nicolas Otamendi last year as Argentina won the Copa America.
Barcelona are admirers though they have other priorities once they release more finance for transfers from the sale of marketing licensing and broadcast rights. Meanwhile, striker Eddie Nketiah, 23, has signed a new contract until June 2027, as first revealed by Sportsmail.
Arsenal remains in talks with Manchester City over a deal for £50m rated Gabriel Jesus. An initial proposal of around £35m plus add-ons had already been rebuffed by City from where Mikel Arteta joined Arsenal.
