Report: Club bracing itself for Arsenal to bid for their 'perfect' £43m player

Arsenal have been heavily linked with Ajax’s Lisandro Martinez in recent weeks.

However, Arsenal are apparently up against Manchester United in the race for Martinez.

Now, according to the Daily Mail, Ajax are bracing themselves for further Gunners and Red Devils bids.

Arsenal’s latest bid was reportedly worth around £38million.

As per the Daily Mail, the Eredivisie champions want £43million for Martinez.

Worryingly for Arsenal, Ajax directors Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Gerry Hamstra were in London at the weekend to discuss the deal with United.

The Red Devils reportedly matched Arsenal’s £38million bid but offered a structure that guaranteed them more cash.

In addition, United have the added pull of Erik ten Hag, who previously worked with Martinez.

Nonetheless, the race remains open, and the 24-year-old is reportedly eager to try his luck in the Premier League.

“Really pushing for Lisandro”

Fabrizio Romano recently spoke about Mikel Arteta’s admiration for Martinez.

Speaking on the Que Golazo YouTube channel, the Italian said: “For sure, he’s a player they want.

“They were having new direct contacts with his agents. They are working on Lisandro Martinez since a long time.

“He’s a priority for Arsenal on the market after Gabriel Jesus.

“As of now, Arsenal are really pushing for Lisandro.

“He’s a player they consider perfect because he could be a centre-back and also play as a number six.

“He’s a player who can be really interesting for Mikel Arteta’s ideas.

“I’m told Ajax’s price tag is €50 million (£43million).”