Arsenal To Meet Ajax As Lisandro Martinez Talks Intensify

Arsenal are scheduled for talks with Ajax this week regarding Lisandro Martinez, according to The Athletic.

The Gunners and Manchester United are both very interested in the defender.

Should both clubs meet Ajax's asking price, he will have to choose.

Both sides believe Martinez is happy to join them and personal terms shouldn't be an issue.

Ajax are thought to want around €50m for the Argentine.

The report also claims Martinez has told Ajax the only move he'll consider this summer is to the Premier League.

When the defender extended his contract last year, the club made it clear they would not stand in his way.

The Athletic first reported Arsenal's interest in Martinez last month.

The defender is Mikel Arteta's top defensive target this summer.

However Erik Ten Hag, newly appointed at Manchester United, is keen to reunite with the 24-year-old he coached at Ajax.

The clubs see Martinez slightly differently.

Manchester United see the defender as a centre-back, his usual position.

However Arsenal believe Martinez can compete with Kieran Tierney for the left-back spot.

This could play a part in the player's choice.

Martinez is very versatile and can play in defensive-midfield as well as the aforementioned positions, which likely appeals to both clubs.

Arsenal will hope to make Martinez their fifth signing of the summer.

Marquinhos, Matt Turner and Fabio Vieira have already been signed.

Gabriel Jesus is expected to be announced in the coming days after a deal was agreed.