How much will Arsenal bid for Lisandro Martinez?

FT Desk

• Updated: 20 Jun 2022 16:24 BST
• 2 min read

Arsenal are reportedly looking to strengthen their defence with the acquisition of Ajax's Argentina star Lisandro Martinez.

Martinez, 24, has been at Ajax since moving from Defensa y Justicia in 2019.

He is comfortable playing both at centre-back and on the left side of defence, while he has also filled in as a defensive midfielder on occasion with the Dutch giants.

His sparkling performances for Ajax have seen him catch the eye of Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni too, making him a regular inclusion in Albiceleste call-ups over the past three years.

The Gunners are keen to sign Martinez, but may face strong competition for his signature.

How much would Martinez cost?

The Argentine would add much-needed depth to the Gunners backline, battling established pair Gabriel and Ben White for a place in Mikel Arteta's starting line-up.

The Gunners are nevertheless yet to submit a formal bid, but they may have to move quickly to head off reported interest from Manchester United.

New manager Erik ten Hag knows Martinez well after coaching him at Ajax and is reportedly considering taking him to Old Trafford this summer.

The youngster made 37 appearances in all competitions for the club in 2021-22 to help them to a second consecutive Eredivisie crown and also played every game of their Champions League run, which ended in the last 16 with narrow defeat to Benfica.