Arsenal are interested in a move for Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez this summer, according to The Athletic. An opening bid of roughly £25million is said to have been turned down for the 24-year-old’s potential transfer.
It comes ahead of a huge window for the Gunners as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his squad. The Spaniard’s side impressed last season, but narrowly missed out on a place in the top four.
Quality in depth may be necessary if Arteta is hoping to get his team competing once again for a return to the Champions League. "We are going to have certain resources, not unlimited resources, some resources," he said on the transfer plans. "And with our resources we have to play and do what we have to do in the best possible way.
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"We don't know what the rest are going to have in terms of resources, which I'm assuming is going to be challenging because now it's not a top three or top four league. Now it is a top eight or 10 teams that are involved. That's why we have to find a way to do again what we did last summer."
Martinez is said to be one of a number of options linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium to aid the push for the top four. The Argentina international can play at both left-back and left centre-back, adding depth, especially given the difficulties of Kieran Tierney with injuries last campaign.
Arsenal aren’t the only side interested though, as North London rivals Tottenham have also reportedly monitored a transfer opportunity. However, should he make the Emirates his new home, he will already be acquainted with one Gunners player.
During last season with Ajax, Martinez had clashed with Arsenal loanee Reiss Nelson, who was at Feyenoord. The two had got up close and personal in a disagreement, but will have to put that aside if they reunite in North London.
