Arsenal have made an improved £34million offer for Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez.
The Argentina centre-back is Arsenal's prime target for their defence but is valued around £43m.
Talks are ongoing with the 24-year-old keen on a move to the Premier League. He is also on Manchester United's wishlist should they manage to sell any of their fringe defenders.
Arsenal want to wrap up transfer business early this summer to aid Mikel Arteta's preparations.
They have agreed terms on a £45m deal for Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus and plan a further meeting with Leeds United this week for Brazilian winger Raphina.
Talks over a defensive midfielder have been put on hold as they concentrate on priority areas and their offer for Martinez reflects how important they consider him to their project.
