How much have Arsenal bid for Lisandro Martinez?
Cameron Smith
- 30 Jun 2022 17:28 BST
- 3 min read
Arsenal have now submitted three separate bids to Ajax for their Argentinian star Lisandro Martinez, with the first two knocked back by the Eredivisie giants.
Mikel Arteta's side have identified Martinez as a high calibre transfer target this summer and appear intent on signing him this window. Martinez, 24, joined Ajax from Defensa in 2019, and is now expected to leave the club in the next few months.
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With Erik ten Hag at the helm, Manchester United have also been linked with a move for the player, but Arsenal currently lead the race as things stand.
The Gunners narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification last season after being pipped to fourth place by North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
However, that hasn't stopped them in the transfer market, with Gabriel Jesus set to arrive from Manchester City as their fourth signing of the summer after already adding Matt Turner from New England, Marquinhos from Sao Paulo and Fabio Vieira from Porto.
After sealing deals early in the window, attention has quickly shifted to Martinez and Arsenal have been active in presenting their interest to Ajax.
The Amsterdam side have rejected Arsenal's first bid of around £26 million (€30m) and their second bid of £34m (€40m) as they are holding out for their asking price of £43m (€50m) to be met.
How much is Arsenal's third bid?
Arsenal are keen to wrap up a deal for Martinez quickly due to the reported interest from Man Utd and the role Ten Hag could play in negotiations if the Gunners don't officially confirm Martinez's signing.
According to the Sun, Arsenal's latest offer remains at £34m (€40m) up-front, but with more additional bonuses included. Ajax reportedly pondered over Arsenal's second bid, so a slightly improved offer may convince them to accept.
However, Man Utd are ready to hijack Arsenal's deal and have made their interest in the player known. Their focus remains on Frenkie de Jong, which could give Arsenal the opportunity to agree terms.
