With a deal in place to sign Fabio Vieira, Arsenal are continuing their summer pursuit of stars in a bid to break into the Premier League top four next season.
Following key absentees at the back last term, Mikel Arteta has turned his attention to Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez with the Dutch giants having already dismissed a potential £25million bid.
But with only initial talks underway Arsenal are still likely to press ahead in pursuit of the versatile star with a fresh bid of £30m, so here is the lowdown on the in-demand defender.
Arsenal are looking to make an improved bid of £30m for Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez
Who is Lisandro Martinez?
At 24 years old, Martinez is a key part of an Ajax defence that claimed the Dutch league title last season and helped dominate their Champions League group by winning every game before their meek exit in the last-16 at the hands of Benfica.
He has seven Argentina caps over the last three years since joining the Dutch side despite standing at around 5ft 9in.
Not that his slightly below average height for a stereotypical defender hindered him last season. Martinez was part of an Ajax team that conceded just 19 goals in 34 games – not bad for a division which traditionally is attack driven.
The defender (left) helped Ajax concede only 19 goals in Dutch top flight last season
What do Arsenal value in him?
There are two key areas. The first is he would provide healthy and strong competition among Mikel Arteta’s centre-backs especially on the left side with Gabriel.
Another though is his versatility. Although predominately a central defender the Argentine can also plug gaps at full-back on either side.
This would have been extremely useful for the Gunners late last season when injuries to defensive stars – especially left-back Kieran Tierney – saw them left with limited options as their challenge for a Champions League place spectacularly went off the rails.
Martinez’s strong ability on the ball makes him ideal for Mikel Arteta’s (above) playing style
What is his style of play?
Don’t be fooled by his lack of height, Martinez is still able to put in a crunching challenge and show his physical strength. Aided by his strong ability to read a game, this tends to make him more precise rather than reckless in the tackle.
His alertness also reduces the need of him to make a challenge by being correctly positioned in a backline.
Martinez is ideal in Mikel Arteta’s progressive play system too, as he is…