Arsenal raise Martinez bid

Arsenal’s pursuit for Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez remains ongoing as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his backline this summer ahead of a top four break-in next season, with the Argentine now one of their top targets for the remainder of the transfer window.

And according to a fresh report from Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, the Gunners are now looking to hit Ajax with a fresh bid for Martinez worth €40 million, including bonuses, as they look to prize the clubs’ Player of the Season away from Amsterdam this summer.

However, the Eredivisie champions are standing firm on their valuation of the player and will hold out for their €50m asking price, although Arsenal will be hoping that their slightly lower offer which includes bonuses could be enough to get them over the line to secure a deal.