Arsenal bidding to win Lisandro Martinez race?

Arsenal have reportedly set their sights on winning the race for Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez.

The Gunners have already made a number of additions to their first-team squad this campaign, including securing a deal for Porto playmaker Fabio Vieira.

If reports are to be believed, Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus will be the next player through the door in a transfer worth £45m.

However, despite being able to add William Saliba to his squad after his loan spell at Marseille, boss Mikel Arteta wants further competition in the defensive third.

Earlier this month, it was claimed that the North London outfit failed with their opening bid for Martinez, who can play at centre-back and in defensive midfield.

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Nevertheless, according to the Daily Mail, Arsenal have lodged a much higher offer than their first proposal which was said to be worth £25m.

The Premier League side are said to have offered Ajax a fee of £34m, a proposal which is still allegedly lower than Ajax's valuation.

The Dutch giants are allegedly hoping to recoup as much as £43m for the Argentina international, who made 24 appearances in the Eredivisie last season.

A potential stumbling block is Ajax's lack of necessity when it comes to selling another player with key man Ryan Gravenberch having already moved to Bayern Munich.

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The report adds that Manchester United are also monitoring the situation with Erik ten Hag working with the player prior to his switch to Old Trafford.

However, it is suggested that any formal bid will be put on hold until United are able to sell or part ways with at least one of their current defenders.

Eric Bailly, Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe are all said to be available for transfer as Ten Hag looks to stamp his own mark on his new club.

A recent report has claimed that United's transfer budget will be restricted to £100m unless player sales are made over the coming weeks and months.