The amount of Arsenal transfer rumours being shared by usually reliable transfer gurus like Romano, Ornstein and Watts has been incredible this summer, and even with the imminent arrival of Gabriel Jesus, there would appear to be many more incoming deals in the pipeline, if the “insiders” are to be believed.
One of our most-needed targets this summer must be a backup to the injury-prone Kieran Tierney and the inexperienced Nuno Tavares, so the links with the Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez is hardly a surprise, and at 24 years old is perfect for Arteta’s long term project.
Out interest has been confirmed by David Ornstein in the Athletic, who wrote: “Arsenal would like Martinez to join the defensive block — Ajax’s left-sided centre-back would add more depth in the position Gabriel made his own last season. Sources indicate Arsenal have had an offer — in the region of €30 million — rejected already. The 24-year-old, who is said to be keen on joining Arteta’s side, would also provide cover at left-back for Kieran Tierney, similar to how Takehiro Tomiyasu is also able to play both positions on the right side of defence.”
As we heard earlier, Fabrizio Romano has stated that Edu will be concentrating on the Leeds winger Raphinha after Jesus is in the bag, but personally I believe that Martinez should be the priority out of the two, and should be signed quickly so we are ready for the beginning of the season.
Admin Pat
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I agree with the opinion in the last paragraph. It seems to me that Martinez should be the priority – and if he’s keen to join, that’s what we need to hear.
I actually hope Raph doesn’t arrive at all, especially at the price Leeds have quoted but also because he wants to go to Barcelona, so his heart isn’t in it for Arsenal.
Plus, there’s plenty of options in the position he plays, in fact we still need to do something about Pepe.
If this window ended with Martinez in the bag and a RB, but no others I’d be quite happy.
Perfectly spoken bro
I agree with Pat – of course as fans we all want almost every player that is mentioned in conversations, but even with a decent budget that is not going to be possible this season. The ideal is two quality players in every position and I simply don’t see why other fans suggest we won’t retain or attract players if we already have a player for that place, so I have no problem in theory with recruiting Raphinha despite already having Saka.
My issue is that the money available is not endless. Raphinha, whilst a good player, is not £65m pounds worth (at least yet). I would be far happier knowing we had secured Martinez (a cheaper and far more proven player who can play in multiple positions where we have less cover) and Tielemans BEFORE mortgaging the house to take what I consider to be a gamble on a player who may not work in our system, and seems to many of us to be over-rated. Being the best player in a poor team is not difficult, and often makes you seem better than you are.
Well said Guy.How would Martineli and ESR feel if we signed another wide player who is not superior to them in my opinion?Raphina is not a priority as far as I am concerned and ,like Richarlison he is highly temperamental.
Please please Arsenal, get this guy.. Get this player first before this Raphinha and Tielemans madness..
I would be more excited if we got Lisandro even if we don’t get Raphinha or Tielemans..
I think Raphinha is overly prices and overly being hyped..
Tielemans seems a bit slow like Xhaka..
But won’t complain if we signed them.. I just want us to equip ourself strongly for next season.
Raphinha overly hyped? He is one of the most underrated players i’ve ever seen.
Raphinha is over rated. Though a good player but Martinez is a better and cheaper buy
LOL!!! Raphinha and martinez are totally different in every way,the former is an attacker while the latter is a defender so both deals are no stumbling block to one another if we really want both guys and for ur information both players are relatively expensive.
The business of Martinez should be concluded with despatch. Tiny is too injury prone hence the need for a second left sided defender.
Tavares is yet to cope there, due to inexperience.. Arsenal defence needs serious reinforcement.
One more striker to Jesus and Nketia, we shall be good to go..
We lost champion’s League position to Spurs due to a very poor defending against New Castle,City Palace and Spurs.
To get 4th place position will be tougher next season bcos of Man U, Newcastle and Spurs.
Lisandro clearly has something to offer, but if we start the season with Xhaka as DM, Jesus out wide and Eddie up top in a 4-2-3-1, the off-season will have been a complete failure…we simply must address our most pressing concerns before any more depth pieces come into the fold
Does this mean that we are no longer interested in the Scottish LB (can’t remember his name as there is so many rumours)?
I have this thought that MA / Edu might just get some REAL business done….by that I mean “named” players most of us have heard of and can comment on.
@ken1945,martinez’s deal has nothing to do with hickey’s.all will be sorted one after another……..i think his signing has to do with what we get from outgoings.
Lol Ken – like “the Scottish play”? IMO Hickey is no longer anywhere near the top of our list – possibly following his exposure in Scotland’s WC debacle.
Martinez really is a class act is well known in Europe and a 7 cap Argentine international at Ajax, whereas Hickey merely has potential and look how Tavares worked out.
We have never been in for Hickey!!!!!
His name is Aaron Hickey, ken1945
EDU TAKES TOO LONG TO CLOSE DEALS.LISANDRO MARTINEZ MUST COME GUNNERS THIS SUMMER
He’s coming to replace Xhaka 🤞
Arsenal needs quality depth in every position to be competitive with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester city. Martinez would be a great signing for Arsenal, as he can play in several defensive position on the field. With the return of Saliba, who, must be integrated into the squad, l don’t see the need of keeping mediocre players like Holding and Cedric, who, should be replaced with Brooke Norton-Cuffy. Holding and Cedric are not good enough and must be sold in this window. Raphinha however, should definitely be brought in to replace Pepe, who, Arteta don’t like or trust. Raphinha is an upgrade on all the wingers at Arsenal, including Saka. Arsenal must not fear adding quality to the squad, just to protect their favorite players. Liverpool and Manchester city have several quality players in each position on the field, hence the reason that they are miles ahead of the pack. A chain is strong as it’s weakest link.
Mental comment @wayne.same folks who moaned about lack of squad depht are still the same people complaining about our move to bolster the squad.i’m shocked uno.
Holding isn’t mediocre and remember we need our quota of home grown players in the team.