Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Lisandro Martinez transfer belief becomes clear, as Man Utd prepare bid to rival Arsenal

Lisandro Martinez, Ajax May 2022

Lisandro Martinez reportedly likes the idea of leaving Ajax for the Premier League, with Arsenal and Manchester United eyeing a swoop.

The centre-back has caught the eye in the Netherlands and across Europe following his recent rise. After leaving his native Argentina in the summer of 2019, he has become a centrepiece of the Ajax team.

But 118 appearances and two Eredivisie titles later, Martinez’s future is once again the subject of interest.

This time, he could make the move to the Premier League. Arsenal are keen on signing him as part of their bumper investment plans in the current transfer window.

United also admire the 24-year-old and according to Goal, Martinez fancies a move to the English top flight.

News of his transfer stance has emerged after Arsenal got serious over a raid on him. The Gunners had an initial bid rejected worth a reported £25million.

More recently, though, they have increased their offer to £35million with add-ons included.

Goal adds that Martinez is waiting to see what Ajax make of the new bid. He appreciates that his employers want to take time to study the potential deal, but does want a response sooner rather than later.

However, reports have suggested that Ajax will again turn Arsenal down. They want £43million for Martinez, with Dutch football expert Marcel van der Kraan revealing that they are under no pressure to sell any of their top talents.

Man Utd preparing Lisandro Martinez offer

Lisandro Martinez, Ajax defender in action during KNVB Beker, at Stadion de Kuip

While Ajax and Arsenal deliberate over a fee, Man Utd are reportedly playing catch-up in the Martinez transfer hunt.

They wanted his team-mate Jurrien Timber in as their ideal centre-back target.

But after learning of his desire to stay put, they have moved onto Martinez.

And Goal claims that United have asked to be kept abreast of transfer developments over the seven-cap Argentina star while they draw up a bid of their own.

Ajax have stars in demand

Ajax’s transfer model means that they often sell some of their best players for significant profit. Still, the continued production of fresh talents means they are always in the limelight.

And the fact that they are financially stable this summer means they could be eyeing another special season next term.

Ten Hag took Ajax to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019 with a team featuring the likes of Frenkie de Jong, Hakim Ziyech, Donny van de Beek and Matthijs de Ligt.

Ajax defender in high demand

Ajax defender in high demand

Ajax centre back Lisandro Martinez is being targeted by both Arsenal and Manchester United as the two clubs look set to battle it out for the highly rated player’s signature.

And while Ajax went on to sell all of those players, the 2018/19 season was one to remember for the Dutch club.

Should they keep hold of their current crop – Martinez, Timber and Antony among them – they will hope for another solid campaign in the Eredivisie and Champions League.

But it remains to be seen if they can resist the advances from Arsenal and Man Utd if they pay the asking price for such talents.