Arsenal are in the transfer market to improve their side as Mikel Arteta is keen to bring on reinforcements this summer. The Gunners finished fifth in the Premier League last season and the Spanish tactician is looking to change that drastically next season. Therefore they have already signed Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City. They are now ken on Ajax versatile defence Lisandro Martinez, who is also linked with Manchester United.
Former Arsenal forward Kevin Campbell feels that if the North London outfit gets their offer for Lisandro Martinez right then he will not join Manchester United despite not having Champions League football for next season.
There are reports that Erik ten Hag is trying to get reunited with the Ajax defender at Old Trafford and have prepared a £40 million bid for the 24-year-old.
According to Football London, Arsenal came up with a £25 million bid which was instantly rejected by the Dutch outfit. Some reports suggest that Arsenal have sent an improved offer of £35 million with addons.
Campbell believes that Arsenal are well and truly in the race to sign the versatile defender who can play in various positions in defence and can also slot in as a defensive midfielder.
“It sounds like the door has been opened. There is a seat at the table. They are open to discussing it. If Ajax weren’t interested in selling, they would have rejected this bid out of hand,” Campbell reasoned.
The former forward lauded Arsenal and the management for being proactive in the transfer market. He believes that there is enough room in this deal for Arsenal to sneak in and make it happen. “I don’t believe personal terms will be an issue. It is just a matter of the clubs thrashing it out. It is nice to see Arsenal looking to open these doors. I like that Arsenal are acting early and are trying to get these deals done,” he added.
Apart from Gabriel Jesus, Mikel Arteta have brought a couple of more signings. He snapped up a goalkeeper, Matt Turner from England Revolution, a team in Major League Soccer. He also secured the signature of high rated Brazilian winger Marquinhos from São Paulo. So they will be hoping that Martinez becomes their fourth signing of the summer.
