Who is Lisandro Martinez? The £35m-rated star who is Arsenal 'priority' defensive target

Arsenal are reportedly prioritising a move for Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez after having an opening bid of £25million rejected.

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 the Eredivisie champions are rumoured to have rejected a bid in the region of £25million.

Despite the Gunners' opening offer being turned down by the Dutch outfit, Arsenal are expected to return with an improved bid as they look to seal a fourth signing of the summer. understands that Fabio Vieira is set to become the Gunners' third summer signing after the club agreed a £35million deal with FC Porto, following the arrivals of Marquinhos and Matt Turner.

Martinez is a 24-year-old versatile defender born in Gualeguay, Argentina. He isn't the tallest defender standing at just 5ft 9ins and currently plays for Eredivisie champions Ajax. The Argentina international made the move to Amsterdam in 2019 and is considered a key player at the club.

Arsenal are keen to add quality to their defensive options ahead of next season with Kieran Tierney's injury issues and Nuno Tavares' indifferent form. The Gunners suffered towards the end of the season with a number of defensive absentees and this looks like it will be addressed this summer with the pursuit of Martinez.

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