Arsenal are reportedly prioritising a move for Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez after having an opening bid of £25million rejected.
According to The Athletic, Arsenal's priority is Martinez due to the 24-year-old's ability to play at centre-back and left back. Martinez is reportedly keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium, and the Eredivisie champions are rumoured to have rejected a bid in the region of £25million.
Despite the Gunners' opening offer being turned down by the Dutch outfit, Arsenal are expected to return with an improved bid as they look to seal a fourth signing of the summer. football.london understands that Fabio Vieira is set to become the Gunners' third summer signing after the club agreed a £35million deal with FC Porto, following the arrivals of Marquinhos and Matt Turner.
READ MORE: Who is Fabio Vieira? The £34m-rated starlet who is 'flying to London' to agree Arsenal transfer
Who is Lisandro Martinez?
Martinez is a 24-year-old versatile defender born in Gualeguay, Argentina. He isn't the tallest defender standing at just 5ft 9ins and currently plays for Eredivisie champions Ajax. The Argentina international made the move to Amsterdam in 2019 and is considered a key player at the club.
Why do Arsenal want him?
Arsenal are keen to add quality to their defensive options ahead of next season with Kieran Tierney's injury issues and Nuno Tavares' indifferent form. The Gunners suffered towards the end of the season with a number of defensive absentees and this looks like it will be addressed this summer with the pursuit of Martinez.
The 24-year-old defender fits into a similar bracket as Arsenal's Takehiro Tomiyasu due to the fact he can play at full back and centre-back. This profile of player suits Arteta's tactical system and would benefit the Gunners moving forward, having quality cover in multiple positions.
Martinez averaged 1.9 tackles and 1.8 interceptions per 90 minutes last season, more than both Tierney (0.8 and 0.7) and Tavares (1.1 and 0.4). The Argentine defender also averaged more clearances (2.8) and blocks (0.5) per 90 minutes than the Gunners' current options at left-back.
How would he fit in?
Martinez tends to be utilised at centre-back but has the ability to play at both left back and defensive midfield when required. The 24-year-old is left-footed and excels on the ball, driving out of defence and moving the play forward, putting his team on the front foot.
Martinez ranked second in the Eredivisie, only behind Daley Blind, in terms of most progressive passes per 90 minutes (14.34) and passes into the final third per 90 minutes (13.43). These statistics show the potential for Martinez to fit into Arteta's tactical system and aid the Gunners in games against teams that set up with a low block.
In any system that Arteta chooses to set up in, Martinez can be slotted in due to his versatility. Due to his stature, the 24-year-old may be used primarily as a left-back in Arsenal's system alongside Gabriel and Ben White, offering cover when needed in a similar fashion to Tomiyasu.
What has been said?
One of Martinez’s nicknames is 'the butcher of Amsterdam', which in itself hints at a tough-tackling, physical defender. Asked about this nickname, Martinez told NOS last season: "That will be because of my playing style. The way I go into duels. I never let a ball run and if I have to go over corpses, I do it."
Martinez also made his ambition clear when speaking to AD.nl: "I want to be the best in my position."
Former Ajax director spoke about Martinez's ability following rumours the Argentine defender could move to the Premier League this summer. Overmars said: "Martinez is a left-footed player who can play several positions in the back. He is a defender who likes to play football forward."
New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag admitted he believes the 24-year-old is an 'excellent' player. Ten Hag managed Martinez during his time at Ajax and said: "I find Lisandro Martinez an excellent player and this is why I talk with him a lot."
Arsenal fans - how good of a signing would Lisandro Martinez be and how much would he improve Mikel Arteta's defence? Leave your thoughts down below in the comments section below!
