Arsenal return with a fresh bid to sign Ajax star Lisandro Martinez as Mikel Arteta tables an improved offer of £30million after their initial £25m bid for the versatile Argentina defender was turned down by the Dutch giants
- Initial talks have taken place between Arsenal and Ajax over Lisandro Martinez
- The Argentina international can play at centre back, left back and midfield
- Barcelona are also said to be admirers of the player but financial woes persist
- Arsenal hope Martinez can offer competition to established centre-back Gabriel
Arsenal are pressing to sign Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez in a £30million deal.
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.
The 24-year-old can play as a centre-back, left back and centre midfield.
Arsenal are keen to bring in Argentina international Lisandro Martinez from Ajax this summer
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.
Lisandro Martinez can play at centre-back and left back as well as in central midfield
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 remain in talks with Manchester City over a deal for £50m rated Gabriel Jesus. An initial proposal of around £35m plus add-ons was rebuffed.
Arsenal are reported to be close to acquiring the services of forward Gabriel Jesus
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