Arsenal has picked up pace in the summer transfer market and has no intention to slow down. The Gunners have already closed two deals, but are working on more. Further on, Arsenal clearly need defensive reinforcements after they conceded 52 goals in all competitions last season. Moreover, injuries to both their full-backs, Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu left manager Mikel Arteta short on options. Arsenal has therefore made Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez their top defensive priority this summer, according to The Athletic.
Arsenal recently signed Porto midfielder Fabio Vieira for a reported fee of £30 million. The 22-year-old exhibited brilliant form last season, providing 16 assists and scoring 7 goals in all competitions for Porto. However, prior to Vieira, the Londoners acquired Brazilian talent Marquinhos from Sau Paulo for £3 million. Arsenal further wants to add more attacking options as a second bid for Manchester City Gabriel Jesus is being prepared. Further on, their interest in Leeds United’s Raphinha is also confirmed. But the Arsenal want to add Lisandro Martinez as well in their defensive ranks. The Argentine has had a breakthrough season with Ajax, attracting the Gunners’ interest.
Ajax rejects the first bid from Arsenal for Lisandro Martinez
Arsenal is showing immense determination to land Lisandro Martinez this summer. According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the Gunners tabled their first offer for Martinez to Ajax. The bid was reportedly in the range of £25 million. However, the Dutch side has rejected the first bid from Arsenal as Ornstein further confirms. Nonetheless, Arsenal is ready to improve their bid in order to convince Ajax.
Lisandro Martinez has been brilliant for Ajax at their backline, commanding the defense. Moreover, the 24-year-old can play both as a left center-back and a left-back. Arsenal have emphasized on his this quality as Mikel Arteta feels Lisandro Martinez could provide healthy competition to both Gabriel Magalhaes and Keiran Tierney. Moreover, Tierney’s recurring injuries have forced him to miss a handful of Arsenal’s games. Martinez won’t come with regular fitness issues, as is evident from his 36 appearances for Ajax this season.
Further on, Martinez racks up 60 plus numbers in metrics such as tackles and interceptions, and a whopping 90 plus in clearances and aerial duels won. Moreover, Martinez’s confidence in the ball is also commendable since he attempts a massive 83.2 passes per game, with a success rate of 89.7%. However, his contribution in the attack is another merit as last season he played 46.18 passes per 90 minutes inside the opposition half.
The Argentine’s stats speak volumes and justify Arsenal’s rigorous pursuit of him. Lisandro Martinez further has experience of playing in the Champions League which could help Arsenal in the Europa League. The Gunners are therefore preparing a fresh, improved bid to secure his services this summer. Meanwhile, Arsenal is looking to close deals for Gabriel Jesus and Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans as well.
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