Football Transfer: Arsenal proposes a new €40 million deal to Ajax's Lisandro Martinez

After submitting a second offer for Lisandro Martinez, Arsenal is awaiting a response from Ajax. However, as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his defensive ranks, the Argentina international has emerged as a priority target for the Gunners this summer.

Arsenal has already had one bid for the defender rejected but has now returned with an improved offer for the 24-year-old, which Ajax is currently considering.

The initial bid for Martinez by Arsenal was around £29 million ($35.5 million). Ajax immediately rejected it, but an improved offer has now been submitted.

According to sources close to the player, the second bid is expected to be around £40 million ($43 million) plus bonuses.

Martinez, 24, has attracted interest from the north London club and is thought to be manager Mikel Arteta's primary defensive target.

Arsenal would like Martinez to join the defensive line — Ajax's left-sided centre-back would add depth to the position Gabriel established for himself last season.

While the Argentina international has mostly played as a centre-back, Arsenal believes he could also provide an exciting option at left-back, similar to how Takehiro Tomiyasu can play both positions on the right side of the defence. 

Martinez, who is said to be interested in joining Arteta's team, can also provide central midfield cover. In addition, a Martinez deal would increase the likelihood of a loan for Nuno Tavares, who is happy in London and wants to stay.

Martinez's arrival could be followed by winger Marquinhos, goalkeeper Matt Turner, and midfielder Fabio Vieira.

In addition to Martinez, Arsenal is working on a deal to sign Raphinha from Leeds and completing the signing of Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City, with a medical scheduled for this week. 

Martinez appeared 36 times last season and seven times for Argentina.

Arsenal may face competition from Manchester United

Arsenal is not the only club with a strong interest in Martinez; Manchester United is also.

During his time in Amsterdam, new Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag worked with the defender, who can play at centre-back, left-back, or defensive midfield, and is open to bringing him to Old Trafford.

Manchester United have asked to be kept updated on Martinez's developments while they prepare an offer, with their current focus on completing a deal for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

Who else does Arsenal want to sign this summer?

Arsenal is finally finalizing a deal for Gabriel Jesus after signing Fabio Vieira from Porto. The Manchester City striker has agreed to a £45 million ($55 million) contract, finalized this week after he passes his medical.

The focus will then shift to trying to win the race for Raphinha, with Leeds United having already rejected an offer from the Gunners.

Arsenal is expected to counter-offer for the 25-year-old, who is also wanted by Barcelona, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea.

After submitting a second offer for Lisandro Martinez, Arsenal is awaiting a response from Ajax. However, as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his defensive ranks, the Argentina international has emerged as a priority target for the Gunners this summer.

Arsenal has already had one bid for the defender rejected but has now returned with an improved offer for the 24-year-old, which Ajax is currently considering.

The initial bid for Martinez by Arsenal was around £29 million ($35.5 million). Ajax immediately rejected it, but an improved offer has now been submitted.

According to sources close to the player, the second bid is expected to be around £40 million ($43 million) plus bonuses.

Martinez, 24, has attracted interest from the north London club and is thought to be manager Mikel Arteta's primary defensive target.

Arsenal would like Martinez to join the defensive line — Ajax's left-sided centre-back would add depth to the position Gabriel established for himself last season.

While the Argentina international has mostly played as a centre-back, Arsenal believes he could also provide an exciting option at left-back, similar to how Takehiro Tomiyasu can play both positions on the right side of the defence. 

Martinez, who is said to be interested in joining Arteta's team, can also provide central midfield cover. In addition, a Martinez deal would increase the likelihood of a loan for Nuno Tavares, who is happy in London and wants to stay.

Martinez's arrival could be followed by winger Marquinhos, goalkeeper Matt Turner, and midfielder Fabio Vieira.

In addition to Martinez, Arsenal is working on a deal to sign Raphinha from Leeds and completing the signing of Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City, with a medical scheduled for this week. 

Martinez appeared 36 times last season and seven times for Argentina.

Arsenal may face competition from Manchester United

Arsenal is not the only club with a strong interest in Martinez; Manchester United is also.

During his time in Amsterdam, new Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag worked with the defender, who can play at centre-back, left-back, or defensive midfield, and is open to bringing him to Old Trafford.

Manchester United have asked to be kept updated on Martinez's developments while they prepare an offer, with their current focus on completing a deal for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

Who else does Arsenal want to sign this summer?

Arsenal is finally finalizing a deal for Gabriel Jesus after signing Fabio Vieira from Porto. The Manchester City striker has agreed to a £45 million ($55 million) contract, finalized this week after he passes his medical.

The focus will then shift to trying to win the race for Raphinha, with Leeds United having already rejected an offer from the Gunners.

Arsenal is expected to counter-offer for the 25-year-old, who is also wanted by Barcelona, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea.

Arsenal's priority this summer is to revamp their attack, but midfielder Youri Tielemans remains on their radar.

Arsenal's interest in the Belgian international has waned; they will be focused on completing deals for other targets. Still, they may return for Tielemans before the end of the window, depending on what other business they complete.