Edu's next £43m transfer target proves Arsenal success with Trent Alexander-Arnold comparison

Arsenal are pushing hard to wrap up the signing of Lisandro Martinez from Ajax ahead of the first pre-season fixture, which is set to take place on July 8 against German side FC Nurnberg. Edu has been extremely proactive in this window by already completing three signings in the same month of the market opening.

Martinez could be the Gunners' fifth capture this summer after Marqininhos, Fabio Vieira, and Matt Turner had been announced. Gabriel Jesus has also undertaken a medical at London Colney ahead of a potential transfer from Manchester City.

The pursuit of Martinez was certainly a surprising development, but his versatility highlights why he will be a key signing if Edu can secure his signature. Statistics prove that he is just as effective at full-back as he is in his natural position at centre-back.

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According to The Athletic, Arsenal's priority is Martinez due to the 24-year-old's ability to play at centre-back and left-back. Martinez is reportedly keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium, and Ajax are rumoured to have rejected a bid in the region of £25million.

Arsenal's pursuit for the defender intensified on Monday, as the Gunners have made a second bid worth around €40million (£34million), according to the Telegraph. While it is an improved offer, Ajax are believed to value the player at €50million (£43million) to let him go.

One of the reasons why the Gunners are battling for his signature is due to his effectiveness in areas of the pitch other than his natural position at centre-back. This is highlighted by the impressive statistics that Martinez made 13.4 passes into the final third per 90 minutes in the league