Ajax defender and Arsenal transfer target Lisandro Martinez has previously launched a scathing review of Liverpool ace Virgil van Dijk, saying he would rather not emulate the Dutchman.
Gabriel Jesus has targeted the Argentina international this summer as he looks to bolster his squad ahead of the 2022-23 campaign. Three new recruits have already been brought in and a fourth is set to be announced soon in the form of Gabriel Jesus.
Martinez has emerged as one of their primary targets moving forward for the rest of the summer, but it is not likely to be an easy deal to complete. Manchester United are also interested in the 24-year-old and both sides have already had bids rejected by the Eredivisie champions.
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A £43 million price-tag has been slapped on Martinez with both sides remaining interested. Standing at 5ft 9in, Martinez is not a conventional centre-back by any means and has previously admitted to taking inspiration from diminutive Ballon d'Or winner Fabio Cannavaro.
"Cannavaro was comfortable on the ball. And, despite his lack of height, he challenged for every ball as if it was the last tackle to win the game," the ex- Newell's Old Boys prodigy explained, via The Mirror. "I loved that style – and I am just like him."
But he is not an easy man to please when it comes to fellow centre-backs. In the same conversation he criticised Liverpool colossus Van Dijk for having little else other than his size in his favour: "I would prefer not to be like Virgil van Dijk. His height is certainly a big plus, but when you don’t have the other qualities, it is worth nothing.
"My favourite position is definitely central defence. I started out as a midfielder, but I learned all the qualities for a central defender who plays in an attacking team under [Erik] Ten Hag. I can look after myself."
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