Comparing Lisandro Martinez’s stats to Arsenal’s current centre-backs

Arsenal have reportedly made a move for Ajax’s Argentina international Lisandro Martinez in an attempt to bolster their defence this summer.

Mikel Arteta’s side have already improved their midfield with the signing of Fabio Veira and are reportedly closing in on a deal for Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus.

They are now turning their attention to the defence and recently had a £25.7million bid for Martinez rejected by Ajax. According to The Athletic, the Gunners have now made a second offer in the region of £34.4million.

While the Eredivisie side have not yet responded to the offer for Martinez, they are reportedly holding out for around £43million. 

The 24-year-old, who is also capable of playing in defensive midfield and at left-back, made 24 league appearances in 2021-22 as Ajax won the Eredivisie title. 

He’s a ball-playing centre-back but also enjoys the physical side of the game, leading to his team-mates dubbing him ‘The Butcher of Amsterdam.’

“I have given out my share of kicks and picked up that nickname,” Martinez told TyC Sports at the start of 2022. “But I’m not one to go flying in, I like to play more. But every ball is a matter of life or death.”

He has also been linked with a move to Manchester United and a reunion with former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag but Arsenal appear to be leading the race for his signature at the moment.

We’ve compared Martinez’s 2021-22 Eredivisie stats to the corresponding Premier League and Ligue 1 figures of Ben White, Gabriel, Rob Holding and William Saliba, who was out loan at Marseille last term. 

Successful tackles per 90 minutes (success rate)

Lisandro Martinez – 2.3 (85.1%)

William Saliba – 1.5 (83.3%)

Gabriel – 1.5 (83.3%)

Rob Holding – 1.4 (93.3%)

Ben White – 1.4