Arsenal are reportedly leading the race for AFC Ajax star Lisandro Martinez, who is also a target for Barcelona, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur.
According to 90 Min, Arsenal have emerged as the frontrunners to secure the signing of versatile AFC Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez, who is also on the radars of Barcelona, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
Martinez has been at Ajax for three years and has grown into a vital player for the Dutch champions. The 24-year-old signed a new contract with the club in October last year, extending his stay until 2025. However, amidst rising interest in his services, the Argentine centre-back is keen on a summer exit and has informed Ajax of the same.
Martinez is a man in demand in the transfer market, with several top clubs from across Europe pursuing his services. Barcelona emerged as one of his earliest suitors as manager Xavi Hernandez sought a left-sided centre-back to add to his squad as the Catalans prepare to say goodbye to out-of-favour defenders like Samuel Umtiti, Clement Lenglet and Oscar Mingueza.
Chelsea, too, have shown keenness in signing the Argentine international as they look to replenish their centre-back department following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen. Chelsea’s London rivals Tottenham Hotspur are also monitoring Martinez as Antonio Conte eyes a left-footed centre-half to upgrade his defensive options.
However, Barcelona have recently shifted their attentions to other targets like Jules Kounde and Kalidou Koulibaly while retaining an interest in Martinez. Chelsea, too, are looking at other potential options like Kounde while they have their eyes on Inter Milan’s Milan Skriniar as well. Meanwhile, Tottenham are prioritising a move for Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni this summer.
It has seemingly left the path clear for Arsenal to swoop in for Lisandro Martinez. The Gunners have a well-established centre-back pairing of Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes. However, the latter has been linked with a move to PSG. Even though an exit looks unlikely, the Gunners are interested in signing Martinez due to his versatile nature, as he can play at left-back and midfield, apart from his primary position.
Arsenal have made an approach for Martinez and, as per the report, they are leading the chase to sign the 24-year-old Argentine international. There is no mention of a potential transfer fee for the defender, but Ajax are likely to demand a hefty sum for their prized asset, who still has three years left on his contract.