Arsenal are believed to have stepped up their pursuit of Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez, in keeping with the newest experiences.
What’s the phrase?
As per journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners are mentioned to have submitted a brand new bid for the Argentine ace within the hopes of getting a deal over the road, albeit with Premier League rivals Manchester United additionally believed to be eager on the participant.
Writing on Twitter, the switch guru said: “Arsenal have submitted a brand new bid for Lisandro Martinez, as reported by @MikeVerweij. €40m with add-ons included, however Ajax at all times requested for €50m payment. Man Utd have additionally been in contact along with his agent. Once more, Ajax don’t have any intention to promote each Lisandro and Jurrien Timber.”
Romano’s declare means that the Dutch champions is not going to sanction the departures of each the seven-cap gem and his present team-mate Jurrien Timber, with the latter additionally believed to be a goal for Manchester United.
That scenario might properly complicate issues as Mikel Arteta’s aspect attempt to pursue a deal for Martinez, though at current it will seem that they’ve but to fulfill the asking worth anyway.
Supporters shall be buzzing
Though any settlement nonetheless seems a way off, experiences that the Gunners have submitted a bid will little question spark big pleasure amongst their supporters, with it shaping as much as be a vastly spectacular switch window for the membership.
Will Arsenal signal Martinez?
After the frustration of lacking out on the top-four final time period, the north London outfit have acted comparatively swiftly to agree a deal for Manchester Metropolis striker Gabriel Jesus, whereas a doable transfer for Leeds United talisman Raphinha additionally seems to be on target.
The captures of the Brazilian duo would undoubtedly steal the limelight, though the acquisition of one other South American starlet in Martinez might show only a very important, such is the 24-year-old’s high quality and flexibility.
Comfortable at centre-back, defensive midfield and at left-back, the £28.8m-rated machine would supply enough cowl and competitors in quite a few key areas, whereas additionally negating the necessity to signal additional reinforcements.
Amid doubts over the way forward for Nuno Tavares, and with Kieran Tierney struggling to shake off persistent injuries, the £43k-per-week ace would maybe be most helpful on the left aspect of Arsenal’s defence, including metal to a backline which shipped 48 objectives final time period, solely the eighth-best document within the prime flight.
In his most up-to-date marketing campaign in Amsterdam, the 5 foot 9 gem was an important a part of Erik ten Hag’s title-winning Ajax aspect, averaging 2.8 clearances, two tackles and 1.9 interceptions per sport, whereas additionally recording a powerful 89% move accuracy and retaining 11 clear sheets from his 24 Eredivisie outings.
With Champions League expertise already under his belt, Martinez – who made the transfer to Ajax from his native Argentina in 2019 – might show essential in serving to the Gunners attempt to safe a return to the competitors subsequent 12 months.
That’s a thought which ought to actually get Arsenal supporters buzzing…
AND in different information, Arsenal now plotting record-breaking bid for £100m gem, he’d be a “celebrity” signing