Arsenal have informed Ajax that they are willing to pay €30 million (£25.8m) to bring the versatile Argentine defender to the Emirates
By Mosope Michaels
Arsenal seem to be in pole position to secure the services of Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez after Manchester United reportedly cools their interest in the player due to his height.
The Gunners have shown interest in the Argentine since the summer window opened and have informed Ajax that they are willing to pay €30 million (£25.8m) to bring the versatile defender to the Emirates.
The Red Devils’ gaffer, Erik ten Hag is understood to also be interested in a move for his former star, but Man United are yet to make a formal bid for the player.
However, Ajax are said to be keen on keeping their priced asset for another year and have set a whooping €50m (£43m) as his asking price to scare away interested clubs.
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According to The Athletic’s reporter, David Ornstein, Arsenal are keen to bring the Argentina player from Ajax to the Emirate this summer and have made him one of their prime targets.
“Lisandro Martinez is a firm target for Arsenal for the left centre-back role and he can also operate at left-back in the mind of Arsenal,” Ornstein told HaytersTV.
He also reported that Manchester United are unlikely to push for his services because he doesn’t seem to have the required height, and therefore, didn’t meet their physical requirements for a centre-back position.
“Of course, he’s played for Erik ten Hag in the past, and there are reports Erik ten Hag would like to bring him to United now.
“There may also be concerns if Lisandro Martinez is tall enough for the left centre-back role because I don’t know of Manchester United looking to do what Arsenal would like, which is to use him at left-back as well.
“As things stand, I think Arsenal is the most probable destination for Lisandro Martinez,” he added.