Arsenal are hoping to finally wrap up a deal for Lisandro Martinez and have made an improved bid to sign the Ajax defender ahead of Manchester United.
The Gunners have made two offers for the Argentina international and have now lodged a third offer worth around £35m, rising to £40m with add-ons, according to The Telegraph.
While Mikel Arteta has identified him as a main target, Arsenal face huge competition from United, with Erik ten Hag eager to sign one of his former Ajax players.
Ajax meanwhile are in no rush to sell Martinez with a bidding war between Arsenal and the Red Devils likely to benefit the Dutch giants.
The report adds that the Gunners are hoping to complete a deal while United’s focus is elsewhere.
The Manchester club remain in talks with Barcelona over a move for Frenkie de Jong while they are also putting the finishing touches to a deal to sign Feyenoord’s Tyrell Malacia.
According to The Times however, United believe they can lure Martinez to Old Trafford despite interest from Arsenal, confident his good relationship with ten Hag can help get the deal done.
Ten Hag is still eager to sign a defender and a versatile forward this summer with another Ajax player in Antony also on his wanted list.
Arsenal meanwhile have already made three additions to their team this summer and are expected to officially confirm the signing of Gabriel Jesus this week.
The Gunners had hoped to sign Leeds United winger Raphinha but appear set to miss out with London rivals Chelsea agreeing a deal with the Yorkshire club.
