Rumour: Arsenal plotting £28m move for Bayern Munich midfielder Javi Martinez

Javi Martinez

Arsenal are planning a shock move for Bayern Munich’s Spanish midfielder Javi Martinez, according to the Daily Star.

The Gunners have been linked with a number of players and Javi Martinez is next to join the line.

Martinez joined the German giants for £32.8 million in 2012 and after initially settling in well under the stewardship of Jupp Heynckes, he has struggled to find his feet under former Barcelona manager, Pep Guardiola.

Martinez is reportedly happy to leave the club in the summer and has told his agent to find him a new club. Arsenal are in line waiting for the Spaniard, who can play at centre-back or in central-midfield, to make his decision regarding his future.

Arsene Wenger is looking to bolster his defensive line, but also sees Martinez as a potential option in the centre of midfield, with Jack Wilshere’s injuries affecting the squad throughout the season. Martinez has fallen out of favour under Pep Guardiola and Wenger is willing up to £28 million to try and lure the former Athletic Bilbao player to the Emirates stadium.

Bayern Munich won the Bundesliga title this season, but the fans are reportedly disgruntled with the style of football under Guardiola. The Spaniard was lambasted by many after his side exited the Champions League, which they won last season at Wembley, to the hands of Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid side.

Javi Martinez has a pass accuracy of 90% in the Bundesliga this season, the third-highest of any Bayern Munich player.