According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal will revive their interest in Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez with the Gunners already having had a €30m bid rejected. The Dutch champions are keen to retain the services of the’ Butcher of Amsterdam’, but he has also attracted the interest of Manchester United, and with many top clubs pushing for his signature it will be tough to keep him in the Netherlands.
Lisandro Martinez: Arsenal Will Push Again for €40 Million Rated Defender Also Targeted by Manchester United
The Journey of Lisandro Martinez
The 24-year-old Ajax defender has made huge impressions in his three seasons in the Eredivisie. Arsenal have struggled defensively at times this season, and Martinez would provide strength in depth and versatility. The ‘Butcher of Amsterdam’ has been an integral part of the Dutch giants’ team, winning two Eredivisie titles and one Dutch Cup winners medal.
Martinez’s senior career began with Uruguayan team Newells Old Boys, before he joined Defensa y Justicia on loan and later on a permanent deal in his native Argentina. At Defensa y Justicia, the centre-back’s dominant performances stood out and caught the attention of Ajax.
Martinez to Bolster Gunners
Martinez has impressed throughout his three seasons at the Amsterdam Arena with the stability he brings to the defence. Being nicknamed the ‘Butcher of Amsterdam’ tells you everything you need to know about the Argentine. He’s brilliant at timing his tackles and despite his diminutive stature, he more than competes in aerial duels. He is a born winner and will bring a steel and determination often lacking in the Arsenal defence. Arsenal have had a €30m bid rejected, but Arteta is determined to get his man and has identified the 24-year-old as his main target after Fabio Vieira.
Read More: Why Fabio Vieira Will Be Such a Good Signing for Arsenal
Martinez has been a vital part of the Ajax success story during his three years at the Dutch giants. Despite being a central defender, Martinez is more than comfortable at left-back, which will provide competition in two areas where Arsenal are lacking in depth.
The Argentine loves a tackle. He likes to impose himself physically on the opposition, but he’s more than comfortable bringing the ball out of defence and stepping into midfield. His passing ability means that when he comes out of defence, he is adept at picking the right option. The butcher is an impressive defender with a number of key attributes which would improve Arsenal’s defence.
Lisandro Martínez could leave Ajax for €30m this summer.
— @TeleFootball pic.twitter.com/9U1vlGdc1d
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) May 18, 2022
