Arsenal 'determined to sign Lisandro Martinez this summer'

Arsenal have reportedly identified Ajax's Lisandro Martinez as their leading defensive target during this summer's transfer window.

The Gunners missed out on a top-four spot in last season's Premier League table, but they have already been active this summer, signing Marquinhos and Fabio Vieira.

The North London club are also said to be working to sign Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City, with Mikel Arteta's side in need of attacking reinforcements for the 2022-23 campaign.

According to The Athletic, Arsenal are now working on a deal for Martinez, with the capital outfit already having an offer rejected for the Argentina international.

The report claims that the Gunners, who are attracted by the 24-year-old's ability to play as a left-back, have had a €30m (£25.7m) bid turned down but are preparing to return with a fresh offer.

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Martinez enjoyed a strong 2021-22 campaign for his Dutch club, making 37 appearances in all competitions, contributing one goal and four assists in the process.

The South American still has more than three years left to run on his contract in Amsterdam, but there has been speculation surrounding his future over the last few weeks, with Barcelona said to be interested.

Meanwhile, a recent report claimed that Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag was keen to bring Martinez with him to Old Trafford during this summer's transfer window.

The defender has made 118 appearances for Ajax since arriving from Defensa y Justica in 2019, contributing six goals and six assists in the process, winning two Eredivisie titles and one Dutch Cup in the process.

Martinez has also been capped on seven occasions by Argentina and was a part of the squad that won the Copa America last year.

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Arsenal are due to begin their preparations for the 2022-23 Premier League campaign with a friendly against Nurnberg on July 8.

The Gunners will open the new season against Crystal Palace on August 5, meanwhile, before also facing Leicester City, Bournemouth, Fulham and Aston Villa in the opening month.

Arteta's side will also play in the group stage of the Europa League next season, and all of their group fixtures will have to be completed by early November due to the 2022 World Cup.

Arsenal were in pole position to finish fourth in the Premier League last season entering the latter stages of the campaign, but back-to-back losses to Tottenham and Newcastle United opened the door for Spurs to claim the final Champions League spot, with the Gunners finishing fifth ahead of Man United.