Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta had huge concerns over signing Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez because of the Argentine’s lack of height.
The Argentine star joined United from Ajax in an initial £47million deal this summer but he’s struggled in his opening two games for the Red Devils.
Martinez has played left central defence alongside Harry Maguire, keeping players like Victor Lindelof and Raphael Varane out of the team.
The 24-year-old has played a number of positions during his career, including left-back and defensive midfield.
He played in both positions under Erik ten Hag at Ajax but he was majorly utilised as a centre-back and the Dutchman has spoken of Martinez exclusively as a central defender.
Arsenal were initially the frontrunners for Martinez but they failed to agree a deal for the player, with Ajax rejecting two bids from the Gunners.
The Gunners were unwilling to match United’s eventual bid and they soon changed their attention on other targets when it became apparent that Martinez preferred a move to Old Trafford.
But Arteta had planned on deploying Martinez at left-back as he valued the Argentine’s ability on the ball, his tenacity in the tackle and his mentality.
Though the Spaniard was a fan of the Argentine, the Athletic claim the Gunners had concerns over Martinez’s lack of height and did not feel he was capable of playing at centre-back in England.
Brentford manager Thomas Frank conceded after his side’s 4-0 victory on Saturday that the Bees targeted Martinez in the air.
But Ten Hag has no plans to change his plans and Martinez is set to continue as a centre-back in his system at the club.
The Red devils have made their worst start to a season in over 100 years and they face Liverpool at Old Trafford next Monday.
