North London duo Arsenal and Tottenham have lost out in the battle to sign highly rated Sochaux midfielder Marvin Martin as the player announced his move to Ligue 1 rivals Lille.
Lille having made a huge profit from the sale of their star playmaker Eden Hazard to Chelsea and have managed to outbid the Premier league clubs to land the 24 year old. Martin rose to prominence in the 2010-11 season when he took over the duties of the primary playmaker following Stephane Dalmat’s departure. He has been really impressive over the last two seasons in Ligue 1 earning himself his international debut and a place in the Euro 2012 squad. He was one of the players who were shortlisted for the UNFP Young Player of the Year for the 2011-2012 season along with Andre Ayew, Yann M’Vila and Mamadou Sakho.
“I am very happy,” Martin told Lille’s official website. “I wanted to sign for Lille because they are an ambitious club I have been interested in for a long time.
“You can talk about a real choice here, and I hope from all my heart that everything will go well.”
Arsene Wenger have been considering Martin as one of his top signings this summer as he continues his overhaul at the club. With Jack Wilshere’s fitness woes and Aaron Ramsey’s inconsistent performances, Martin had evolved as a key target for the Gunners.