Arsenal’s initial bid worth €30 million for Lisandro Martinez was swiftly rejected by Ajax, although the Gunners remain hopeful over signing the Argentine.
Arsenal have seen their initial bid for Lisandro Martinez swiftly rejected by Ajax, but negotiations are expected to continue. According to The Athletic, Mikel Arteta’s side had made an offer worth €30 million that has been swiftly knocked back, although a new proposal could be on the cards.
Arsenal have accelerated their transfer activity in the last 48 hours, which started with a swift agreement for Porto attacking midfielder Fabio Vieira. As soon as the news broke out of the blue, the Gunners saw their names linked to multiple other targets.
FC Porto confirmed an agreement with Arsenal to sign Vieira after the Gunners decided to pay around €40 million, including bonuses for the 22-year-old Portuguese. They are also linked with a move for Gabriel Jesus and Youri Tielemans, although the most surprising one came from the Athletic’s David Ornstein regarding Lisandro Martinez.
Arsenal were expected to approach for Martinez, as Mikel Arteta had decided on bringing the Argentine international to improve his defensive ranks. And it seems like the Gunners initially made a €30 million bid, but Ajax swiftly rejected the proposal.
? Arsenal defensive priority this window is Lisandro Martinez. Wanted for ability to play LCB / LB + 24yo Argentina international said to be keen. Sources indicate ~€30m bid already rejected by #Ajax but #AFC will keep pushing. That & more @TheAthleticUK https://t.co/OxgBbdOOAo
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 17, 2022
The Gunners remain in the lead for Martinez, and the possibility of another improved offer looms large. The Argentine defender is reportedly keen on leaving Ajax, and this could help Arsenal’s cause in the chase for the versatile star.
Martinez is primarily known for playing in central defence, although he is equally capable of covering at left-back. The Argentine could provide competition to Gabriel Magalhaes, as Arsenal do not have another left-footed centre-back in their ranks.
At the same time, he could be viewed as a reliable cover for Kieran Tierney as the Scottish star has shown fitness problems in the last three seasons. The 24-year-old Ajax star is somewhat similar to Takehiro Tomiyasu, who can play in either defensive position on the right side.
If Arsenal can sign Martinez, it could pave the way for Nuno Tavares to depart, possibly on a loan deal. The Gunners have placed a €40 million price tag on the Portuguese left-back amid Atalanta’s interest.
A move for Martinez makes plenty of sense from Arsenal’s perspective. However, to prise the defender away from Ajax, the Gunners will have to considerably improve their offer. With all factors favouring the Gunners, there is a confidence that a good proposal could seal the deal for the north Londoners.
