Arsenal Have 'More Advanced' Interest In Lisandro Martinez Than Man Utd

Arsenal are at a more advanced stage than Manchester United in their pursuit of central defender Lisandro Martinez, according to reports.

The Gunners made their interest in Martinez known a couple of weeks ago with a first bid of around £32 million, which was rejected by AFC Ajax out of hand.

Arsenal then went back in with an improved bid of around £37 million, but it's believed Ajax will reject it and hold out to near their valuation of £42 million.

The 24-year-old has impressed since signing for Ajax in 2019, becoming a mainstay at the back for the Netherlands' most successful side.

Manchester United have also made it public that they harbour interest in the defender, but according to the ever reliable Fabrizio Romano in his column for Caught Offside, they are yet to submit a formal bid for Martinez.

This appears to be because they are currently tying up deals for left back Tyrell Malacia and Frenkie de Jong.

According to Romano, United have contacted the agents of Martinez but are yet to submit an offer.

Martinez offers the option of versatility to Mikel Arteta, which the central defender also able to play defensive midfield and at left back.

The success of the signing of Takehiro Tomiyasu, who is capable of playing multiple positions across the back line, has led to the increased interest of versatility at the back for Arsenal.

It's unknown as yet whether Martinez would favour a move to Arsenal or Erik ten Hag's side but it appears to be a wide open race currently.

Arsenal are expected to announce the signing of Gabriel Jesus today, and have already tied up deals for winger Marquinhos, attacking midfielder Fabio Vieira from Porto and goalkeeper Matt Turner.

Arteta is expected to spend even more money, with the hope of a central midfielder still possible. Interest in Youri Tielemans was strong in recent months but it appears to have cooled now.