Arsenal look like they are prepared to chase the signature of Ajax and Argentina centre-back Lisandro Martínez this summer, according to Dean Jones.

Both Manchester United and the Gunners have been linked with the 24-year-old this summer, but Mikel Arteta’s side could make the Argentina international a priority this transfer window.

GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones

What’s the latest on Martínez?

John Cross of The Mirror states that Ajax have put a £50m price-tag on Martínez, but Arsenal believe that the centre-back will be allowed to leave, after working on a deal for two months.

And journalist/transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has suggested that Arteta’s side have submitted a €40m (£34.6m) bid to the Dutch giants to secure the services of the seven-time Argentina international, but Manchester United have also made a bid for the defender according to Hernán Sisto.

It has been well documented that Arsenal have been looking for a left-sided centre-back this summer and Martínez could be the answer to that solution.

And Jones believes that the Argentine will be Arteta’s primary centre-back target this summer due to his versatility.

What has Jones said about Martínez?

He told GIVEMESPORT: “We knew that the two things that they [Arsenal] were looking for beyond that forward, were a versatile defender and a midfielder.

“So that versatile defender to me looks like it'll be Lisandro Martínez at this stage.

“He can play centre back, he’ll go at full-back if he needs to, he’s a good age.

“He's the perfect profile for what Arteta’s trying to build here.”

Will Martínez sign for Arsenal?

Arsenal fans will rejoice at the fact they could be signing a centre-half, and Martínez, who has been dubbed by current United boss Erik ten Hag as “an excellent player”, with the club's need for defensive reinforcements quite obvious.

The 5 foot 10 centre-back made 36 appearances for Ajax last season, scoring one goal and providing four assists for his teammates, according to Transfermarkt.

And Martínez won a combined 80 tackles and interceptions for his club last season according to FBref, suggesting that he could be a colossus in defence at the Emirates Stadium next season.

And an extremely impressive SofaScore rating of 7.61 for his performances in the Eredivisie last season suggest that the title-winning centre-back could be an excellent addition for a defence that is desperate for reinforcements next season.

It seems increasingly likely that Martínez will be departing Amsterdam this summer, but it will be interesting to see whether he selects ten Hag or Arteta’s project ahead of a likely summer switch to the Premier League.