Arsenal are set to miss out on Lisandro Martinez as talks with Manchester United enter their 'final stage'.
Arsenal are said to have had two bids turned down from Ajax. It's believed that the Dutch club want at least €50million (£43million) for his signature but the Gunners don't want to go that high.
Arsenal are interested in Martinez because of his ability to play multiple positions, namely central defence, left-back and defensive midfield.
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Mikel Arteta has problems on the left of the back four, with Kieran Tierney’s battles against injury causing issues in the previous campaign. Add to that the lack of left-sided centre-back options beyond Gabriel and it’s an area that needs addressing.
However, there have been suggestions that Erik ten Hag's plan to play Martinez in his more natural centre-back position is why the Red Devils are seemingly the Argentine's preferred destination.
Now, as per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, United's move for Martinez is 'imminent' as talks are at the very last stage: "Lisandro Martínez to Manchester United, it’s imminent! Board mission in Amsterdam revealed yesterday is described as 'positive, successful'," he said.
"Long meeting with Ajax, agreement close for more than €50m. Final talks tomorrow: Man Utd hope to seal the deal in 24/48h."
Arsenal will therefore have to turn their attention elsewhere to find the right cover for Tierney. The Gunners are keen to sign a left-sided defender in the summer transfer window, football.london understands - although incomings could depend on the ability to offload fringe players in Arteta's squad.
Alex Grimaldo of Benfica has subsequently been linked, but there's no suggestion that there's been anything but interest on Arsenal's end thus far.
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