Arsenal are going head-to-head with their former rivals Manchester United in the race to sign Ajax’s versatile defender Lisandro Martinez. The Gunners want the 24-year-old to be a competitor in as many as three different roles.
Martinez would provide competition for Gabriel Magalhaes at left centre-half, Kieran Tierney at left-back and Thomas Partey in defensive midfield. A valuable asset considering Arsenal are fighting for four competitions in the 2022/23 season.
However, the presence of Erik ten Hag as Manchester United’s new head coach and the strong interest of the Red Devils has put pressure on the club. Technical director Edu has already seemingly lost out in the race to sign Raphinha after Chelsea agreed on a fee with Leeds that the Gunners have so far been unwilling to match.
