Lisandro Martinez bid indicates Arsenal might have Gabriel transfer plan

Lisandro Martinez is the latest player to be heavily linked with a move to Arsenal this summer amid a spending spree at the club.

Mikel Arteta is not waiting around despite watching his Gunners drop into the Europa League late into the season after falling from fourth to fifth in the Premier League. That has done little to quell his ambition in the transfer window.

Gabriel Jesus is set to sign and become the fourth arrival of the summer, which also includes Matt Turner, Marquinhos and Fabio Vieira. It follows last year's transfer splurge where the likes of Ben White, Martin Odegaard and Aaron Ramsdale were brought in.

And the Manchester City ace might not be the last arrival with Arteta also looking to improve his defence. That is despite White and Gabriel Magalhaes holding down the backline while William Saliba is set to return from a year on loan at Marseille.

The Frenchman is set to be given a new contract as Arteta rates the former Saint-Etienne star highly and wants him as back-up to White on the right-hand side. The other deriders include Rob Holding, who is seen as surplus to requirements, and Pablo Mari, who is set to leave this summer.

Ajax star Martinez is set to be the subject of a second bid after an initial offer was turned down. According to Goal, Arsenal are set to demand the Argentine in a £35m and the Dutch club are considering whether to accept or not.

The 24-year-old was the player of the year at Ajax last season and operates largely on the left-hand side of defence due to the fact he is left-footed. But that position is currently occupied by Gabriel.

It makes little sense to pursue such a transfer unless there might be a change of the guard in the backline. Spending so much on a back-up player when there are other areas of the squad that need surgery - such as midfield - would be a bizarre usage of funds.

It strengthens rumours that Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus are looking to sign the Brazilian, who was one of the first transfers Arteta made after taking charge of Arsenal. The Old Lady have lost Giorgio Chiellini and are battling to keep hold of Matthijs de Ligt amid interest from Chelsea and Manchester United.

Martinez can play at left-back and in defensive midfield, making him a versatile option at the Emirates. But he has excelled in defence for Ajax and would no doubt prefer to play there over another position.

Losing Gabriel might be a blow for Arsenal in the transfer window and could have been a concern over the course of the season. But Arteta might just have struck first by trying to get a replacement through the door, alleviating any problems that might arise.