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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Marc Mayo

Arsenal told Lisandro Martinez will struggle to break into starting line-up amid £30m transfer talks

Arsenal target Lisandro Martinez would struggle to break into Mikel Arteta’s team if he completes a £30million move from Ajax.

That is the view of former Ajax and Netherlands player Marciano Vink, who is not a particular fan of Ben White and Gabriel yet believes both would keep the Argentine on the bench at Emirates Stadium.

He told Voetbalpraat: “You never know, of course, but if there are so many economic gains to be made, Ajax should always focus on the next one. I think €40m should definitely be negotiable.

“I think White is good, and Gabriel is still a bit unpolished. Neither of them are brilliant builders.

“He would be brought in for the position of left central defender, and I don’t think they’ll take Gabriel out at Arsenal just like that. If they get Martinez, I think they’ll get him for the bench. As a back-up.”

Arsenal are targeting Martinez along with Manchester United yet Vink believes the Premier League would not suit his style.

“Martinez is a very good and tough defender, he also shows it in the Argentine team,” he added.

“I think the system and the way in which Ajax played and the combination with [Jurrien] Timber made him an even better player. They are two pit-bulls standing there.

“He has a very good pass and creates a good build-up. He sees the game well. I only wonder if he is really suitable to play in England. I’d rather see him in the Spanish league. I think that suits him better.”

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