Arsenal make Lisandro Martinez transfer decision

Arsenal won't be pursuing the services of Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez due to the high asking price, CBS Sports' Ben Jacobs claims.

The Gunners were initially interested in signing the Argentine last month, and they made an offer of £35m including add-ons for his services.

However, Ajax had no plans of selling him for that price. The Eredivisie champions are now said to be eyeing at least £51m for Martinez.

According to Jacobs, the Gunners are no longer expected to move for Martinez and they are prepared to look at alternative targets this summer.

Hence, Manchester United are now clear favourites to sign the 24-year-old. They are planning to hold fresh transfer talks with Ajax this week.

Their recent offer of around £42m was rejected by the Dutch outfit, but they are ready to make a fresh bid close to the reported asking price.

Martinez has already agreed personal terms with the Red Devils, and it could be a matter of a few days before the centre-back joins them.