With a deal in place to sign Fabio Vieira, Arsenal are continuing their summer pursuit of stars in a bid to break into the Premier League top four next season.
Following key absentees at the back last term, Mikel Arteta has turned his attention to Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez with the Dutch giants having already dismissed a potential £25million bid.
But with only initial talks underway Arsenal are still likely to press ahead in pursuit of the versatile star with a fresh bid of £30m, so here is the lowdown on the in-demand defender.
Who is Lisandro Martinez?
At 24 years old, Martinez is a key part of an Ajax defence that claimed the Dutch league title last season and helped dominate their Champions League group by winning every game before their meek exit in the last-16 at the hands of Benfica.
He has seven Argentina caps over the last three years since joining the Dutch side despite standing at around 5ft 9in.
Not that his slightly below average height for a stereotypical defender hindered him last season. Martinez was part of an Ajax team that conceded just 19 goals in 34 games - not bad for a division which traditionally is attack driven.
What do Arsenal value in him?
There are two key areas. The first is he would provide healthy and strong competition among Mikel Arteta's centre-backs especially on the left side with Gabriel.
Another though is his versatility. Although predominately a central defender the Argentine can also plug gaps at full-back on either side.
This would have been extremely useful for the Gunners late last season when injuries to defensive stars - especially left-back Kieran Tierney - saw them left with limited options as their challenge for a Champions League place spectacularly went off the rails.
What is his style of play?
Don't be fooled by his lack of height, Martinez is still able to put in a crunching challenge and show his physical strength. Aided by his strong ability to read a game, this tends to make him more precise rather than reckless in the tackle.
His alertness also reduces the need of him to make a challenge by being correctly positioned in a backline.
Martinez is ideal in Mikel Arteta's progressive play system too, as he is confident to dribble the ball out of defence adding an extra layer to the midfield, with his passing ability also competent enough to move the ball upfield.
Does this help explain his nickname?
Certainly seems to correlate, with Martinez now being known as the 'Butcher of Amsterdam' since his move to the Dutch capital three years ago.'
Explaining the origin of his nickname, Martinez told NOS: 'That will be because of my playing style. The way I go into duels. I never let a ball run and if I have to go over corpses, I do it.'
Shouldn't every team be after him then? What's holding him back?
Only the obvious - his lack of height. No amount of talent in the mind or on the ball can hold that back in the air. His 5ft 9in frame leaves him vulnerable to taller strikers when it comes to crosses.
That's not to say he is useless aerially, his heading of the ball is actually of a decent standard but it is a concern.
His average pace is also unlikely to be considered a major strength and while he is not slow, it could leave the Gunners exposed if he is caught too high up the pitch when facing a counter attack.
Given Arteta will hope he can limit the damage from an injury crisis it is perhaps ironic that he also missed the last seven league games last season due to a muscle injury. Long term concerns or a one-off? We will eventually find out.
Sounds like he should be an Argentina regular though
Maybe in another era he would be. But while he is a consistent member of the national team, starting games can be a struggle for Martinez.
He is currently behind Tottenham star Cristian Romero as well as veteran Nicolas Otamendi in the pecking order.
Although a member of the squad that won the inaugural Finalissima after defeating Italy 3-0 earlier in June, he didn't make it onto the pitch, with even fellow central defender German Pezzella preferred to come on for the final five minutes of the Wembley clash.
Any other interested teams?
Manchester United have been linked with him and those cannot be totally dismissed given new manager Erik ten Hag relied heavily on him while at Ajax in the last three years.
However, Barcelona are also keeping tabs on the 24-year-old although they are unlikely to provide much competition to the Gunners given their current financial woes and have priorities elsewhere.
What's been said?
New United manager Erik ten Hag is a big fan having managed him for the last three campaigns, saying: 'I find Lisandro Martinez an excellent player and this is why I talk with him a lot.'
Given Manchester United's defensive crisis, Arsenal's ability to snatch the defender before Ten Hag can work out what to do with his dysfunctional United side this summer could be a big boost for the Emirates Stadium outfit.
