Lisandro Martinez - Why Arsenal Pulled Out Of The Deal

A move for Lisandro Martinez failed to materialise due to a thought-out transfer policy, reports the Athletic. 

At one stage this Summer, a move for the Argentine international appeared to be certain.

Some outlets even reporting that the transfer was days from completion. 

However, from inside the Gunners camp, they saw things differently as soon as Manchester United entered the fray, with David Ornstein reporting that:

“As soon as Manchester United were in the equation, they went up to a level of finance Arsenal just weren’t prepared to meet."

"They didn’t think that was value for money they were looking for, for a player looking to compete with Tierney.”

From an Arsenal perspective, a refusal to be drawn into a transfer war over a squad player is smart planning.

It would be easy to be caught up in the furore of a new signing, and pinching such a signing from under Manchester United’s noses.

Edu and Arteta saw things differently, they had a clear identity and squad profile that they wanted to fill.

An inverted full-back capable of operating in multiple positions, and they had a clear price in mind in acquiring the services of such a talent.

It’s no coincidence then that the Gunners quickly moved on to acquiring the services of City’s Oleksandr Zinchenko, a player fitting that exact description.

In-fact, the reported fee of the imminent move (£30 million per Fabrizio Romano), is roughly the figure that Arsenal bid for Martinez initially. 

The clear clarity of thought and action in transfer strategy will feel like a breath of fresh air to the Arsenal faithful.

Fans have seen their club squander money on impulsive, short-term solutions in recent seasons.

At board level there are clearly steps being taken to avoid making the mistakes of the past.

The refusal to be drawn into a transfer war for Martinez, who ended up being sold for a potential €65 million, shows that those lessons are clearly being heeded.

A similar case took place with Leeds winger Raphinha.

Chelsea's bid for the Brazilian went over the fee Arsenal were willing to play and the Gunners backed out. A different option for a wide winger target is expected, but has not yet been reported.