Arsenal are preparing to switch transfer targets as their pursuit of Lisandro Martinez becomes more difficult to complete. The presence of Erik ten Hag and Manchester United has made the deal far more expensive than the Gunners were originally planning.
Arsenal had an original bid in the region of £25 million rejected by the Dutch side and since Erik ten Hag has been alerted to the Gunners’ intentions. United’s presence has seen the asking price increase to €50m (£42.9m) with some reports claiming it could go even higher.
The Athletic reported that Mikel Arteta saw Martinez as having his most influence at left-back. Nuno Tavares could leave the club this summer with Marseille a very interested party.
READ MORE: Arsenal's £34m Lisandro Martinez bidding process explained amid negotiation frustration
Therefore, with links strengthening that Arsenal are looking at the possibility of signing Benfica left-back Alex Grimaldo it is a strong indication that they have admitted defeat in the chase of Martinez. Grimaldo would be a significantly less expensive option with Jornal do Noticias via Sport Witness reporting a €7m (£5.9) offer expected to be made.
Grimaldo, an offensive full-back, scored five goals and chipped in with five assists last season. Stylistically however he is very different to Martinez who was seen as a good, mirrored option to Takehiro Tomiyasu for the left-hand side.
Both Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney suffered from injury issues throughout the campaign and when they were unavailable simultaneously, Tavares and Cedric Soares were not good enough in tandem and the club suffered. Arsenal need a better option in case of injury and it seems Arsenal feel the younger Portuguese player is the one to replace.
With needs at central midfield and wide forward, perhaps Grimaldo’s low fee will enable the club to go bigger and better in these other areas. That said, the versatile defensive option is certainly, on the surface, a more pressing issue than a wide player.
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