Edwin van der Sar has confirmed Arsenal were given a “firm no” when trying to sign Lisandro Martinez.
The Argentina international was the subject of two bids from the club this summer, though Ajax ultimately rejected a proposal worth around £34m.
Mikel Arteta was keen on the 24-year-old’s versatility but eventually turned to Manchester City star Oleksandr Zinchenko, who has quickly established himself as a key player despite injury problems.
“It was our opinion they [Martinez and Antony] should stay for another year,” van der Sar told The Times.
“We gave a firm ‘no’ to Arsenal when they came first for Lisandro; we fought hard to keep him.”
Martinez then moved to Manchester United in a deal worth an initial £48.4m plus a further £8.51m and has since ousted Harry Maguire in the first-team.
Despite a difficult start to life in the Premier League, the Argentine has consistently impressed and looks a crucial figure under Erik ten Hag.
Having missed out on Martinez last summer, Standard Sport understand Arsenal are keen on a move for Eintracht Frankfurt defender Evan Ndicka.
Out of contact next summer, the German club could be tempted to sell the 23-year-old in January should he not commit to a new deal.
Arsenal want to sign a left-sided centre-back as Gabriel is currently their only out-and-out option in that position. Pablo Mari is on loan at Monza this season and expected to leave permanently next summer.
