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Report: Arteta has discussed signing ‘excellent’ central defender and then playing him in midfield this season
Arsenal could play Lisandro Martinez in central midfield this season if they manage to sign him from Ajax.
report that the Gunners like Martinez’s versatility and they are ramping up their efforts to sign him with a second, improved bid.
The report says that Arsenal are considering him as a potential left-back option as cover for Kieran Tierney.
That feels wise given the Scot’s injury record and the fact that Nuno Tavares could probably benefit from a season on loan, amid interest from Marseille.
Arsenal could play Martinez in midfield
The midfield prospect is a bit more difficult to weigh up, given the bigger variations in role.
Versatility is great but Arsenal need specialist options as well, and they really could do with Youri Tielemans to bolster their midfield, in truth.
If Mikel Arteta signed Martinez, or Raphinha, which would be more decorative signings for depth, rather than a midfield specialist like Tielemans, it would leave him open to criticism if it backfires.
Of course, Arsenal could still go out and get all three given the time left in the transfer window, and that would make it look like a very good summer indeed.
Erik ten Hag at Manchester United also wants Martinez, who he called ‘‘ back in January, but Arsenal seem further down the line with their interest.
Arsenal’s squad looked thin at the business end of last season, and it seems Arteta is trying to rectify that with players who can play a number of roles.
Manchester City’s Oleksandr Zinchenko is another Arsenal target who can play at both left back and central midfield, but Martinez seems to be the priority for now.