Kevin Campbell has claimed that up to five positions in Arsenal’s team become ‘available’ if they don’t sign Lisandro Martinez from Ajax.
After Arsenal completed the transfer of Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City, Campbell was adamant that his former side needed to add ‘gadget player’ Martinez to their ranks from the Dutch champions, as he told Sky Sports.
There is strong interest in the defender from Premier League clubs, including his former boss and now Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag.
It seems as though Manchester United have the upper hand on that possible transfer deal, with the Gunners submitting a bid of £34 million for the player last week.
Either way, if Arsenal don’t sign Martinez then Campbell suggested it will leave a lot of holes in their squad, as they return to Europe.
“Arsenal need a few players (after Jesus), Lisandro Martinez at Ajax,” said Campbell. “He can play four or five roles equally as well. Holding midfield, cover at left-back, cover at left-back, centre-half and left of a three at the back as well.
“That’s a gadget player Arsenal could get, but if they don’t get him, then all of those positions are available.”
WHO ELSE WILL ARSENAL SIGN?
The main aim for Mikel Arteta was to fill that number nine role and he has done that with Jesus’ arrival and Eddie Nketiah signing a new contract.
But what next for the Gunners? Depth is going to be needed because the Thursday-Sunday schedule will take its toll on the players.
Perhaps Arsenal need to sort out the future of certain players, like Nicolas Pepe, Bernd Leno, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who was loaned out last season, alongside Hector Bellerin and Pablo Mari.
All of these are back in north London, but do they have a future under Arteta, well, more than likely not, so getting a fee for those players and getting them off the wage bill is perhaps the next best option.
In other news, Newcastle may not sign Brazilian, West Ham should get Lingard – Tuesday’s transfer rumours rated
