Arsenal £25m transfer offer for Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez REFUSED by Ajax – but Gunners will ‘move on’
ARSENAL have reportedly turned down a £25million offer for Ajax’s Lisandro Martinez.
The Argentine ace is on the Gunners’ wish list as they look to bolster their defense ahead of next season.
2
Mikel Arteta is keen to sign Martinez, who he believes would greatly improve his depth of defence.
According to The Athletic, Arsenal are keen on continuing to try Martinez despite initially being beaten back.
They believe he can rival Gabriel Magalhaes at left-back at centre-back while deputizing for Kieran Tierney at left-back.
A successful dive for Martinez would make a loan exit for Nuno Tavares more likely.
The young full-back is happy in north London but has struggled at times during his debut season in England.
Atalanta are reportedly keen on the Portuguese ace.
Martinez, 24, made 36 appearances for Ajax last season as they won the Eredivisie title.
Eight of his appearances took place in the Champions League, Ajax was eliminated by Benfica in the round of 16.
Most read in the Premier League
BET SPECIAL – GET £40 IN FREE BETS ON ASCOT
His performances have also earned him a place in Argentina’s set-up.
Martinez helped his country win last year’s Copa America as a stand-in for Tottenham star Cristian Romero and former Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi.
He was an unused substitute recently as Lionel Messi and Co beat Italy 3-0 in La Finalissima at Wembley Stadium.
Arsenal have already signed Matt Turner, Marquinhos and Fabio Vieira this summer.
Their spending won’t stop there as Arteta is keen to sign another striker and midfielder.
Should Granit Xhaka leave, the Gunners could move all in for Youri Tielemans.
The Belgian was keen to join as Arsenal looked good after a place in the top four but could use some convincing after the north Londoners finished fifth.
Tielemans could decide to stay at Leicester for the final year of his contract, although a big offer could see him leave now.
Arsenal are also keen to sign Gabriel Jesus, with City set to demand £50m for the Brazilian ace.
The Gunners are confident they can fend off Spurs and Chelsea interest in his signing.
2
https://www.the-sun.com/sport/football/premier-league/5586735/arsenal-transfer-bid-lisandro-martinez-ajax/ Arsenal £25m transfer offer for Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez REFUSED by Ajax – but Gunners will ‘move on’
