Arsenal transfer news: Gunners to make enquiry over signing Bayern Munich midfielder Javi Martinez - reports

Arsene Wenger looking to add to squad and Martinez would fit with plans

Arsenal are looking at a possible signing for Javi Martinez (GETTY IMAGES)

Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Bayern Munich midfielder Javi Martinez as Arsene Wenger looks to bolster his squad for next season.

Wenger has outlined that a new central midfielder is one of two key transfer priorities when the window reopens in a few weeks’ time.

Martinez joined the German champions from Athletic Bilbao for a club record £32million two years ago but sources in Germany have revealed that the Spaniard is unhappy with his involvement in the side under new manager Pep Guardiola.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Lars Bender is reportedly Arsenal’s key target but with Martinez’s supposed unrest at his club, Wenger will enquire whether Bayern will sell.

Martinez still has three years on his current contract but he did not start either leg of Bayern’s Champions League semi-final clash against Real Madrid.

The 25-year-old has been deployed as a central defender at times this season, a position he played in for Bilbao, although he has been quoted as saying he would prefer to get back into the middle of the pitch.

Martinez said: “I don’t have as much freedom on the field anymore. I don’t get forward as often and my game is a little more static. The coach [Guardiola] believes that I can play in any of the central positions and I’ll play where I’m needed.”

Wenger reportedly has a £100million transfer budget to spend this summer with his main concerns in centre midfield and up front.

These funds would pave the way to another big money signing, like Mesut Ozil’s last summer, and Martinez fits in well with Wenger’s plans.