Arsenal have been outlined as frontrunners for Ajax’s versatile defender Lisandro Martinez.
What’s the word?
That’s according to talkSPORT, who report that Arsenal have brushed aside Manchester United in pursuit of the Argentine.
The Gunners have tabled a bid worth £35m and are awaiting a response from Ajax.
They have been long-time admirers of the 24-year-old and will be pleased to get this deal done sooner rather than later, with United still sniffing around.
The news comes with Arsenal now on the verge of signing Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus.
Arteta will love him
Mikel Arteta will delight in getting the deal done for this battle-hardened South American, who, similarly to Takehiro Tomiyasu, can play across the backline and also midfield.
Standing at just 5 foot 9, the Argentina international does not shirk a tackle. He sits in the 99th percentile for tackles and progressive passes per 90, combined with a 93% pass completion rate.
Clearly, he is a forward-thinking defender, hence his ability to deputise in midfield.
He could provide healthy competition for multiple Arsenal players due to his versatility and could prove a perfect midfield partner for Granit Xhaka, or the perfect centre-back partner for Benjamin White.
His average SofaScore rating sits at a remarkable 7.61, which is only bested by Dusan Tadic amongst his Ajax teammates. He seems ready for a step up, and Arsenal could be the perfect springboard to bring his talents to England.
The £28.8m-rated stopper has drawn praise for these kinds of performances, notably from scout Jacek Kulig who dubbed him “elegant” and at just 24-years-old he still has his entire career in front of him.
He also managed to grab four goal contributions this season, so marks himself out as a real all-rounder who can get forward, marshal the midfield, and put a tackle in.
Back when he managed him, Erik ten Hag dubbed him an “excellent player” just under a year ago. This would explain United’s interest and would make it even sweeter if Arteta could push this deal through.
He would add a bit of bite to a relatively soft Arsenal side, and that is why Edu Gaspar would play a masterclass by completing this deal as soon as possible.
AND, in other news: David Ornstein drops big Arsenal transfer update that’ll leave supporters gutted.
