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Arsenal Transfers: Gunners have bid rejected for Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez
By Adam Schultz
Having just about wrapped up a deal for Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira, the Gunners are at it again with Lisandro Martinez reportedly being the subject of a bid from the club.
If Mikel Arteta and Edu wanted to surprise fans with their work behind the scenes and not let any nuggets of information leak, they have done ridiculously well.
The news of Fabio Vieira caught just about everyone on the planet off guard, and the deal is thought to be wrapped up in no time. The club is at it again, not wanting to rest on their laurels.
Like Vieira, this came out of nowhere as well. According to The Athletic, Arsenal has already bid for Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez. A reported bid of £25m was made but swiftly rejected by the Dutch giants.
Arsenal make bid for Lisandro Martinez
The 24-year-old is a versatile player, something that Arteta craves, and is equally adept at playing in the heart of defence or as a left-back. He has also spent time as a defensive midfielder, which is a position that Arsenal needs to strengthen. He played in 36 games in all competitions last season for Ajax and is also an Argentinian international for good measure.
Arsenal would like Lisandro Martinez to join the defensive block - Ajax’s left-sided centre-back would add more depth. Sources indicate Arsenal have had an offer - in the region of €30m - rejected already. The player is said to be keen on joining Arteta’s side. [@TheAthleticUK] pic.twitter.com/BJy50h7HNK
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) June 17, 2022
The left-footed defender could be brought in to help ease the defensive burden on Arsenal’s defence this upcoming season. Gabriel and Ben White are the first-choice pairing, with William Saliba and Rob Holding backing up.
Arsenal’s full-backs present a problem as Cedric and Nuno Tavares are the current back-ups. With Martinez, he could provide cover at centre-back and left-back as last season the Gunners were found wanting with Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu both spending significant time on the sidelines.
While still in the early stages of the transfer window, the Gunners have gotten themselves into gear rather quickly. Despite their opening bid being rejected by Ajax, it is thought that Arsenal will come again for the Argentine defender.
The signing of Fabio Vieira does not necessarily mean Arsenal will stop chasing other targets or replaces others in their sights, such as Raphinha, Gabriel Jesus or Lisandro Martinez. Rather, they are keen to press on. The plan, ideally, is to recruit them all. [@TheAthleticUK]
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) June 17, 2022
What it means for William Saliba and more so Rob Holding remains to be seen as Arteta eyes more defensive reinforcements.
The Gunners transfer business is now starting to heat up, with Fabio Vieira due to be announced any day; Gabriel Jesus’ deal is thought to be in the latter stages of completion, and now Martinez. It has been a busy few days for the Gunners as they look to strengthen the squad as they embark on a season with Europa League football.