Arsenal

Arsenal

Premier League • England

Lisandro Martinez told Arsenal move is bad news, with Ajax star urged to chase better destination

Lisandro Martinez, Edson Alvarez, Jurrien Timber, Ajax, celebrate Eredivisie title win

Lisandro Martinez should reject a move to Arsenal as the Ajax star will only be a bench player for the Gunners, according to one observer.

The Gunners are looking to bolster across the pitch this summer as they go after a return to the Champions League. Despite adding Fabio Vieira from Porto in midfield, they want another more senior addition.

Attack is also a major priority for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta to sort. Gabriel Jesus is his top striker target, while Leeds winger Raphinha is also of interest.

Arsenal bolstered their defence last summer, signing centre-back Ben White and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. However, reports have claimed that Ajax’s Argentina international Martinez is now on the Gunners’ radar.

Arsenal have in fact reportedly had a £25.75million bid for the 24-year-old rejected.

Former Ajax star Marciano Vink reckons Ajax can hold out for €40million (£34million) for Martinez. However, he added that Martinez must think carefully about decreasing his game time.

“You never know, of course, but if there are so many economic gains to be made,” Vink told Voetbalpraat. “Ajax should always focus on the next one. “I think €40m should definitely be negotiable.

“I think ]Ben] White is good, and Gabriel is still a bit unpolished. Neither of them are brilliant builders.

“He [Martinez] would be brought in for the position of left central defender, and I don’t think they’ll take Gabriel out at Arsenal just like that.

“If they get Martinez, I think they’ll get him for the bench. As a back-up.”

Lisandro Martinez should move to Spain

Erik ten Hag and Lisandro Martinez at Ajax

What’s more, Vink claimed that Martinez should instead think about moving to La Liga, where he claimed he would fit better.

“Martinez is a very good and tough defender, he also shows it in the Argentine team,” Vink said.

“I think the system and the way in which Ajax played and the combination with [Jurrien] Timber made him an even better player. They are two pit-bulls standing there.

“He has a very good pass and creates a good build-up. He sees the game well. I only wonder if he is really suitable to play in England.

“I’d rather see him in the Spanish league. I think that suits him better.”

Two Ajax stars facing a conudrum

Martinez is not the only Ajax star seemingly facing a dilemma over Premier League interest.

Martinez has yet to decide on his future, but it seems Dutch centre-back Timber has after an approach from Manchester United.

Indeed, Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal has reportedly stepped in to warn Timber that his World Cup place could be at stake if he moves to Old Trafford and struggles for game time.

If Vink’s theory is correct, Martinez could find himself in the same situation, with Argentina also playing in Qatar later this year.

Both players would be exciting propositions for the Premier League but perhaps need moves elsewhere to advance their careers first.