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Arsenal facing uphill battle to land Bayern star Javi Martinez
ARSENAL'S chances of landing Javi Martinez may not appear so straightforward with Barcelona also in the frame to nab the Bayern Munich star.
The Gunners according to reports had been lining up a £20million move for the highly-rated Spaniard who is thought to be unsettled at Bayern.
Barcelona however are thought to be looking to gazump the Gunners with a bid in excess of £30m.
Arsenal have also been tracking Bayer Leverkusen's Lars Bender, but he has quashed speculation, insisting he's not ready for a move to Arsenal.
Barcelona meanwhile are looking to rebuild for next season after struggling to reach their usual high standards in Europe and on the domestic scene this term.
A new centre-half is high on their list of priorities with Carles Puyol departing after the campaign.
They are also after a holding midfielder and Martinez could fit the bill.
Martinez has racked up 26 appearances for the Bundesliga champions this term, netting once.