Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Luke Thrower

Arsenal's Lisandro Martinez transfer plan outlines clear Man United mistake after Brentford loss

The past two weeks have seen Arsenal make an ideal start to their new Premier League campaign. Mikel Arteta's men have won both of their opening two fixtures and remain as one of only two sides to have made a 100% winning start to the season - alongside Manchester City.

The complete opposite appears to be true of rivals Manchester United, however. The Red devils got off to a nightmare start with a loss to Brighton at Old Trafford for their opening match.

As if things couldn't get much worse, their trip to Brentford saw them concede four goals in just 35 minutes to the hosts. It leaves new boss Erik ten Hag with plenty to ponder as his side sits bottom of the Premier League, with a tough fixture in Liverpool in their next match.

READ MORE: Why Arsenal move for Callum Hudson-Odoi doesn't make sense amid Chelsea exit and Newcastle links

One particular talking point surrounded that of defender Lisandro Martinez, who the Manchester side beat Arsenal to signing from Ajax this summer. Ten Hag has opted to use the Argentina international as a centre-back, despite question marks surrounding his height to play the role - standing at just 5ft 9ins tall.

Brentford quite clearly looked to take advantage of this with their physicality, with the 24-year-old substituted at half-time following a difficult performance. It seems to be a conundrum for United, but it was one that Arsenal already had in mind if they were to sign Martinez.

According to the Athletic, Arteta had only intended to deploy the defender as a left-back, due to concerns surrounding his height and physicality in the league. The Spaniard clearly had plans for landing Martinez, but when their price range was blown out of the water by their rivals, the option of Oleksandr Zinchenko made sense.

It underlines yet again just how thorough Arsenal have been in their transfer approach and understanding where a player may be able to fit into their system.

READ NEXT:

Edu transfer misconception arises as Youri Tielemans move in question after Thomas Partey puzzle

Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest updates and rumours from the Emirates Stadium

Full Arsenal Premier League fixture list for 2022/23

Arsenal transfer business under the microscope in 'good deal' or 'bad deal'

Edu transfer misconception arises as Youri Tielemans move in question after Thomas Partey puzzle

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.