Erik ten Hag and Marc Overmars' old comments on Lisandro Martinez give a good insight as to why Arsenal are reportedly keen to sign the Ajax defender this summer.
football.london understands that Fabio Vieira is set to become the Gunners' third summer signing after the club agreed a £35million deal with Portuguese giants Porto, following the arrivals of Marquinhos and Matt Turner. Now, the north Londoners' priority is to sign Martinez according to The Athletic, who also claim that the Argentine is keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium.
The report also claims that the reigning Eredivisie champions have rejected a bid in the region of £25million for the 24-year-old but are expected to return with an improved offer as manager Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his defensive options. Injuries to left-back Kieran Tierney and centre-back Ben White derailed Arsenal's season last term and Martinez's ability to play in both positions could be one of the key reasons why he is being targeted by technical director Edu.
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Former Ajax transfer chief Overmars, who also played for Arsenal between 1997-2000, has previously praised the young defender's versatility and ability on the ball. “Martinez is a left-footed player who can play several positions in the back,” said Overmars.
“He is a defender who likes to play football forward.” New Manchester United boss ten Hag has also made it no secret of his admiration for the former Newell's Old Boys star. “I find Lisandro Martinez an excellent player, he is actually starting material and this is why I talk with him a lot," the Dutchman said last year.
