Report: Arsenal told to pay £50m+ for Arteta’s ‘priority’ signing as Manchester United continue to press

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal and Manchester United could have to find more than £50m if they now want to sign Ajax defender, Lisandro Martinez, this summer.

Both the Gunners and Red Devils have been keen to get a deal over the line for Martinez. However, Ajax are holding firm and have been essentially starting a bidding war between the clubs. It was reported last week how United had made a bid in the region of £43m for Martinez, which was swiftly rejected by the Dutch side.

And according to 90Min, should United or Arsenal want to sign the Argentinian, they’ll need to come up with an offer which sees them pay that £43m as cash, with even more money included in terms of bonuses and add-ons. Those add-ons would push the deal beyond the £50m mark, with Ajax keen to ensure they get maximum value for their man.

Said to be Mikel Arteta’s priority signing this summer, Arsenal have appeared to be focussing on other players in recent weeks, with the club finally announcing Gabriel Jesus last week. But with United not getting a deal for Martinez over the line, Arsenal could now be back in the mix.

TBR’s View: Arsenal Could Still Pinch Lisandro Martinez

The fact United haven’t got this deal done leaves the door wide open for Edu and Arteta to strike. In fact, United’s attempts at transfer business this summer have been nothing short of poor.

For Arsenal, this is a chance for them to beat a rival club to one of Europe’s most sought-after players. Mikel Arteta has already got a number of top players in the door this summer, and if he can cap it off with Lisandro, then it’s the stuff of dreams really.

Even if that cost is £50m plus, it could still be very much worth it over time.