Arsenal have been boosted in their pursuit of Lisandro Martinez as the defender is 'pushing' for Ajax to sanction his exit amid interest from the Emirates Stadium, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

The Gunners have been among the Premier League's busiest clubs in the transfer window, but boss Mikel Arteta is refusing to rest on his laurels and is eager to clinch the signature of Martinez before the new season gets underway next month.

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What's the latest news involving Martinez?

According to The Athletic, Arsenal are scheduled to meet Ajax officials in the coming days as the battle to sign Martinez intensifies.

The report suggests the Gunners are going head-to-head with domestic rivals Manchester United for the seven-cap Argentina international's services, with Martinez then being given the opportunity to choose which club to join if his current employers' demands are met.

Ajax are understood to be holding out for £43million and although Arsenal have lodged three offers in recent weeks, all of them have fallen short of the Eredivisie champions' valuation.

Manchester United have bettered the north Londoners' proposals after their opening bid was worth £38million, including add-ons, but that has still not been accepted by the Dutch side.

However, Martinez has given Arsenal and the Red Devils hope of eventually striking a deal as he has reportedly told the Ajax hierarchy that he wants to move to the Premier League ahead of the September 1 deadline.

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What has Fabrizio Romano said about Martinez?

Romano understands Martinez is putting pressure on Ajax to allow him to seal a dream move to the Premier League.

The transfer guru is aware that the central defender's current employers have set a £43million asking price in an effort to deter suitors.

However, he knows Martinez is desperate to secure a switch away from Amsterdam quickly, rather than his future remaining uncertain.

Romano told GIVEMESPORT: "The player is pushing with Ajax because Ajax are asking for a €50million fee and the player is pushing for them to let him go this summer as he wants this Premier League move as soon as possible."

What would Martinez add to Arsenal's backline?

Arsenal missed out on Champions League qualification by two points last season, with a key reason for that being their defensive record was worse than the four sides above them in the Premier League.

Martinez could play a pivotal role in stabilising the Gunners' backline and his average match rating of 7.6 during the 2021/22 campaign shows he is a reliable, high performer.

Despite his priority being to keep the ball out of the back of his own net, the 24-year-old has shown he can also be a threat in the opposition's penalty area by chalking up 20 goal contributions throughout his club career, which is another attractive asset.