Arsenal confident ‘gadget player’ will join them amid Tottenham interest

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal will make a new bid for Tottenham Hotspur target and Ajax central defender Lisandro Martinez in the summer transfer window, according to The Express.

Arsenal made an opening bid for £25 million for Martinez over seven days ago, but Ajax reportedly turned it down.

Ajax do not want to sell the Argentina international centre-back, according to The Express, who have reported that an offer in the region of £40 million could be enough for the Dutch giants to change their stance.

“Arsenal have made fresh contact with Martinez’s representatives since their opening offer was rejected and they’re confident he would be open to moving to the Emirates Stadium,” states the report in The Express.

90min reported this month interest from Tottenham in Martinez, although  The Athletic have claimed that the defender is open to a move to Arsenal.

Arsenal confidence on Lisandro Martinez blow for Tottenham

In our view, Lisandro Martinez would be a good signing for Arsenal and would make Mikel Arteta’s side better at the back, and the Gunners’ belief that they will sign him is a blow for Tottenham Hotspur.

The youngster is a left-sided central defender who can also operate at left-back.

This means that Martinez would be able to cover for Kieran Tierney at left-back as well as compete with Ben White and Gabriel for a place in central defender.

Former Arsenal star Kevin Campbell is a big fan of Martinez, telling The Highbury Squad. this week that the 24-year-old is “a gadget player” who is “someone that is good everywhere.”