Journalist Charles Watts has revealed that rumoured Arsenal target Lisandro Martinez is very keen on the club’s project.
It’s no secret that the Gunners are in for the Ajax defender, with The Athletic stating that they have even made multiple bids for the Argentinian.
However, reports also suggest that Martinez is ‘keen’ on a move to Manchester United instead, and Erik ten Hag could be close to pulling off a reunion with the player he recently coached in the Netherlands.
Despite that, Watts has stated that the left-sided centre-back is ‘very open’ to joining Arsenal as he likes Mikel Arteta and the project he is building in north London.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, the journalist said: “I know everyone’s saying, ‘Oh it’s United, United, United’, but from what I understand, Martinez is very open to Arsenal as well.
“He really likes the ideas that he’s been told, you know, if he came in, how he would be used by Mikel Arteta, and he likes Arteta and he’s very keen on that project.”
Will Arsenal land Lisandro Martinez this summer?
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However, Watts did also add: “I have also been told that the Ten Hag thing would probably give United an advantage, just because it’s his old manager, he knows him well and that sort of thing; I think we all have to accept that.”
TIF Thoughts on Lisandro Martinez and Arsenal…
It is certainly interesting to hear Watts state that Martinez would still be happy to sign for Arsenal, despite talk suggesting he is mainly keen on Manchester United.
It does mean that the Gunners could end up landing their man this summer if they can negotiate the right fee with Ajax for the 24-year-old.
However, Watts does concede that his relationship with Ten Hag is still likely to give United the edge. But if Arteta can truly convince him of the project – and the Gunners can match or even better what the Red Devils are willing to pay – Martinez could yet end up in north London.