Two Premier League clubs have been linked with the Ajax defender, but Arsenal appear to have the upper hand.
Arsenal may have been given a clear path to sign Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez this summer, despite Manchester United’s reported interest. After impressing in the Eredivisie, the 24-year-old has been heavily linked with moves to both sides this summer.
It comes as the Gunners continue to bolster their squad during the current transfer window. Mikel Arteta led his team to fifth place last season, missing out on a return to the Champions League, which is his goal for the coming season.
Fabio Vieira was among the first to arrive at the Emirates, but director and former midfielder Edu has hinted that the deals will not end there. “We will now continue to work hard and are looking forward to finishing this transfer window as strongly possible.”he told Arsenal’s official website.
One area where the team has been linked with improvement is defense, particularly on the left side. Given the increased number of fixtures coming up, quality cover for Gabriel, as well as depth for Kierney, who struggled with injury last season, may be required.
In the Scotsman’s absence, a number of options were tested, including youngster Nuno Tavares, Granit Xhaka, and even Cedric Soares. However, none of them could provide the same level of presence at the time.
Martinez, who can play at both centre-back and left-back, has emerged as an option for the Gunners in this position. Ajax is said to have turned down a bid, and Manchester United is also said to be interested in a move, due to links with former boss Erik ten Hag.
However, that path may have become clear, as The Athletic’s David Ornstein suggests that the Red Devils aren’t convinced on a move for the Argentina international. Talking to Hayters TV, he said: “He’s [Martinez] a player that Mikel Arteta wants to sign. Arsenal have had an approach worth around €30m rejected by Ajax, that interest will not drop.
“The question is: Who else is interested in him? Of course, he’s played for Erik ten Hag in the past, and there are reports Erik ten Hag would like to bring him to United now
“The problem is that Manchester United are focusing on Frenkie de Jong and Christian Eriksen, there may also be concerns if Lisandro Martinez is tall enough for the left centre-back role because I don’t know of Manchester United looking to do what Arsenal would like, which is to use him at left-back as well.
“As things stand, I think Arsenal is the most probable destination for Lisandro Martinez, who is said to be keen on a move but this could have twists and turns with a number of clubs admiring such a good player.”
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal and Ajax can reach an agreement for the defender, but if a bidding war breaks out, it will likely make the move more difficult to negotiate.
