Martinez is a priority for Arteta, who is keen on sealing a deal for him because of his versatility. The defender can play at left-back and the heart of defence
By Kehinde Okeowo
North London club, Arsenal, are working around the clock to seal a deal for Ajax defender, Lisandro Martinez, who has also attracted interest from the red half of Manchester.
The Gunners are set to announce the capture of one of their main targets this summer, Brazilian attacker, Gabriel Jesus, who has passed his medical.
Martinez, just like his South American compatriot, Jesus, is a top priority for Arsenal too, and Arteta is keen to seal a deal for him because of his versatility.
The defender is believed to be comfortable playing at left-back or in the heart of defence.
ALSO READ: Gabriel Jesus spotted with Arsenal chief, set to complete transfer
According to the Evening Standard, Ajax, who are holding out for £45million, and Arsenal recruitment chief, Edu, have so far failed to agree a fee for the Argentina international.
Although the Gunner have proposed a deal worth around £35m, with add-ons potentially taking that number closer to £40m, the Dutch club are yet to accept.
The situation has left Arsenal desperately pushing to beat Manchester United to Martinez’s signature in a bid to avoid a repeat of Chelseas’ hijack of Raphinha’s deal.
The Red Devils’ new boss, Erik ten Hag worked with the 24-year-old during his time in charge in Amsterdam and may be able to convince the Argentine if the Gunners don’t act fast.
Arsenal have so far secured the services of Portuguese midfielder, Fabio Vieira, Brazilian winger, Marquinhos, and American goalkeeper, Matt Turner with Gabriel Jesus’ deal imminent.
They have, however, continued to work on outgoings too and defender Daniel Ballard is closing in on a move to Sunderland after a deal with Burnley collapsed last week.