Arsenal reportedly bid for ‘extremely intelligent’ £30m star, Arteta could get his own Mascherano – TBR View

Sat 18 June 2022 19:15, UK

Arsenal fans have had to wait a little longer than some other clubs in getting their summer transfer business under way.

However, things are now moving in the right direction, with one reported signing and a key contract extension.

On Saturday, Arsenal announced that Eddie Nketiah had penned a new deal at the Emirates.

Meanwhile, the deal to take Fabio Vieira to north London has reportedly been completed, though it’s not been announced yet.

Nonetheless, Arsenal dropped a big hint on social media, claiming they’re “just getting started” after Nketiah’s extension.

Just getting started…

We're delighted to announce has signed a new deal ✍️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal)

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Arsenal are reportedly still in negotiations over Gabriel Jesus, and things seem to be on the right track there too.

Now, the Gunners are apparently looking to bolster their defensive ranks too.

According to the , Arsenal are now in pursuit of Ajax centre-back Lisandro Martinez.

The outlet claims the Gunners are willing to pay £30million for the Argentina international.

Ajax apparently rejected an initial £25million bid from Mikel Arteta’s side.

“Very commanding and calm in possession”

Martinez would be a superb signing for Arsenal, an incredibly talented and versatile defender with a high ceiling.

Fans on Twitter have him to .

In April this year, scouting website Breaking the Lines provided an of the player.

Ironically, this is in an article called “searching for Tottenham’s next left-sided center-back”.

“The 24-year-old is very commanding and calm in possession,” they wrote.

“So much so that he is allowed to abandon his role at centre-back to sometimes act as deep-lying midfielder beyond the first line of pressure.

“This is because the Argentine is very comfortable playing in tight areas, always backing himself to get out of situations.

“His ability on the ball is more that of a midfielder, his switch of play is the most striking part of his ball-playing.

“His diagonal switches have incredible accuracy and can be key in disrupting a low block.

“This pattern of play was lethal with Hakim Ziyech in 2019/2020 and still is with Anthony or Steven Berghuis.

“In terms of defending… he leans on his intelligence and spatial awareness to thwart forwards.

“He can step up to dispossess, or back off to defend the space – it all depends on the situation.

“Martinez is an extremely intelligent and cultured defender.”

In addition, Erik ten Hag rates Martinez highly.

When he emerged into the first team, Ten Hag said, as per ) “I find Lisandro Martinez an excellent player.

“He is actually starting material and this is why I talk with him a lot.”