Lisandro Martinez is known to be keen on a transfer to the Premier League this summer as Ajax weigh up Arsenal’s improved £34million offer for the Argentina international. The Gunners saw a gap bid within the region of £25m rebuffed by the Dutch champions last week before returning to the table with their fresh proposal and there is hope it might be enough to get a deal over the road.
Arsenal are seemingly determined to pip United to the 24-year-old having pressed ahead with a move but Ajax are reluctant to sell.
In accordance with Goal, Martinez is awaiting Ajax’s response to the bid – which also includes additional bonuses – as he’s open to a move to England before the beginning of the 2022/23 season.
It’s believed Ajax are keen to push for closer to £45m though, as a way to conform to a sale.
Should that be the case, Arsenal could also be forced to explore other defensive options as there aren’t any guarantees Martinez can be first selection in north London.
READ MORE: Arsenal prepare recent bids for Raphinha and Lisandro Martinez after Gabriel Jesus agreement
Martinez has also caught the attention of Barcelona however the Spanish giants have been hampered by financial struggles off the sphere.
Despite failing to qualify for next season’s Champions League, Arsenal are prepared to back Arteta with a major transfer budget.
Gabriel Jesus is undergoing a medical today ahead of his £45m switch from Manchester City.
Arsenal are also within the hunt for Raphinha of Leeds, who was the topic of a gap offer from the Gunners last Tuesday.
They’re expected to return to the table with an improved offer, just as they did with Martinez.
Several players may be heading for the exit door in north London including Bernd Leno, Hector Bellerin and Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
Technical director Edu has already promised to deliver more signings after already landing Sao Paulo winger Marquinhos and Fabio Vieira from Porto.
“Yes, I’m quite excited,” he said. “I believe we still have some good conversations and positive conversations to be fair. I hope we can provide to the fans some excellent news.”
