'Still there...' - Fabrizio Romano drops significant Arsenal claim involving 'outrageous' gem

Reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano has provided the latest update on Arsenal‘s pursuit of Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez.

So far this summer, it’s been a case of a reunited on-pitch rivalry in the transfer market as the Gunners battle old foes Manchester United for the signature of Martinez.

The 24-year-old has become hot property following a string of impressive campaigns in Amsterdam which have caught the eye and earned the tenacious centre-back full international recognition in the process.

After a recent report from Manchester Evening News claiming that United had made an offer of £37m for Martinez, one well-informed source has now claimed that Arsenal are not out of the running…

Speaking to GiveMeSport, transfer guru Romano has claimed that the north Londoners remain in the hunt and will step up their pursuit in the coming days.

The Italian said: “It’s a big fight because Arsenal are still there. Arsenal will push again next week also with Ajax.”

Meanwhile, The Athletic have also recently claimed that officials from the Emirates Stadium will meet representatives from the Eredivisie champions, who are expected to demand £43m for the man described as ‘outrageous’ by journalist Rohan Jivan due to his impressive build-up play.

Signing Martinez, particularly ahead of competition from a genuine domestic rival, would be a superb coup for Arsenal this summer.

Mikel Arteta and transfer chief Edu have already strengthened the squad with Fabio Vieira, Matt Turner and Marquinhos this summer, along with the now-confirmed capture of Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City. Therefore, the signing of a top-quality central defender must be the next on the agenda in N5.

The seven-cap Argentine earned an outstanding 7.61 Sofascore