‘Not sure’: Danny Murphy questions qualities of £43m star Arsenal want to sign

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Danny Murphy has claimed that he is ‘not sure’ about Arsenal and Manchester United transfer target, Lisandro Martinez, who wants to leave Ajax this summer.

The former midfielder questioned Martinez’s physicality and claimed that it’s going to be ‘difficult’ for him to transition from the Eredivisie to the English Premier League, as he told talkSPORT.

Those in north London aren’t the only ones keen to add the centre-back to their ranks this summer, with Manchester United also hoping to lure his £43 million talents to Old Trafford.

The issue facing Arsenal is that Erik ten Hag worked alongside Martinez last season, so they will hold that advantage in signing the player if something materialises.

But when Martinez’s name was put forward to Murphy as a possible destination for the Premier League, the TV and Radio pundit had his doubts about the South American star.

“I read a piece on Martinez from Rio Ferdinand and how he was worried about his size,” said Murphy. “He is less than 6ft, isn’t he?! I know he plays for Argentina.

“But, in our league, I am not sure whether that’s going to be a difficult transition for him because of the players we have in our league. That physicality, if you like.”

WHO WILL WIN MARTINEZ BATTLE?

Both Arsenal and Manchester United are in the same boat after ending last season without any Champions League football.

For the Manchester-based club, they dropped out of the competition after ending the season in sixth place – the previous campaign they ended up second.

But Arsenal’s wait to return to the elite goes on, as they made a return to Europe after previously dropping out altogether.

So, from that perspective, neither Arsenal nor Man United hold an advantage, which then brings it down to the financial package they can offer, as well as who they can use to lure that player in question towards their direction.

Either way, it seems as though Martinez is keen on a move to the Premier League and he would be a very useful all-round addition to whichever team he decides to join.