Kevin Campbell has claimed that Arsenal are in ‘pole position’ ahead of Manchester United to sign Ajax defender, Lisandro Martinez, as he told the Highbury Squad.
The former striker added that Arsenal ‘putting a bid in’ for the 24-year-old proves that they are ahead of their Premier League rivals for his signature.
It has been recently suggested that Martinez is keen to make a move to the Premier League and the £43 million player is desperate to play in England – both Arsenal and Manchester United want to sign him.
The new man in the Old Trafford dugout, Erik ten Hag, will know Martinez very well after working with him for several years in the colours of Ajax.
Campbell is unsure if that past relationship will play a part in Ten Hag being able to lure Martinez towards Manchester United, but one thing he is certain of and that’s Arsenal leading the race for his talents.
“I don’t know what their relationship was like,” said Campbell. “I’m not sure how Lisandro Martinez feels about linking up with Erik ten Hag again.
“But one thing I do know is that Arsenal should go all out for this guy. He plays in multiple positions – And he could play each position as well as each other (back three, CB, LB and midfield). Four positions.
“Whether he wants to go to Manchester United or not. Listen, we are in pole position, at the moment.
“We are in pole position because we have made the move. We have put the bid in. We are making the move by letting the player know ‘we want you’. Personal terms have apparently been agreed, so that’s not an issue.
“So, if you Arsenal, the key for us is to get him across the line. We need to get it across the line.”
ARSENAL AND MANCHESTER UNITED COULD DO WITH GAME-CHANGER MARTINEZ
Not only is worth it for both clubs to put big money on the table for Martinez, but it’s his ability to play numerous roles, and that very well, which makes him a potential game-changer.
Manchester United struggled and struggled last season, but someone like Martinez, with his efficient play, ability to play out from the back and intelligence, is what would make him a fan favourite in Manchester.
As for Arsenal, they are trying to bulk up their squad as they return to Europe, and as they found out last season, not having a thick squad proved to be costly in their race for Champions League football.
If Mikel Arteta is in a situation where Kieran Tierney is on the sidelines again or Granit Xhaka is picking up his monthly red card, then someone like Martinez could also fill that hole and do a very good job at it.
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