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Lisandro Martinez has already told Arsenal why they should sign him in battle with Manchester United

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez has already told Arsenal why they should sign him.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has made Martinez his key defensive transfer target for the summer window, though has already seen two bids rejected by Ajax.

Manchester United are also keen to sign the Argentine and have lodged a big bigger than Arsenal, reportedly promoting Arteta and technical director Edu to arrange a meeting with Ajax to thrash out a deal.

Martinez has outlined his approach to playing football, explaining his "Butcher" nickname, detailing exactly why Arteta, and Erik ten Hag, are so desperate to sign him.

"I am called the Canisero - the Butcher of Amsterdam," he said. "We Argentines do everything with passion - and when I go out on the pitch I fight for every ball.

"If I have to step over dead bodies I do it. I want to win every 50-50 situation because I know that I am fighting for food for every member of my family and for my friends.

"That is the feeling I have - and every Argentinian has. It is the kind of motivation I cannot explain."

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

United have an ace up their sleeve in the battle to sign Martinez with the defender having worked closely with Ten Hag, who in May swapped Amsterdam for Manchester.

"I am so proud of what I have achieved at Ajax and under Ten Hag," said Martinez. "I grew as a player and became an Argentinian international thanks to my development at Ajax.

"And I even got to wear the captaincy armband for my country. That was the day my father cried, it was very emotional. My mum cried too, my uncles, aunties, cousins, everyone.

"The World Cup is definitely my goal. We have great players and we must all be ready for it. We won the Copa America together and can do it again."