Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Man Utd intensify Lisandro Martinez transfer stakes with fresh bid, as Ajax star ramps up Prem plan

Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, Paulo Dybala Italy v Argentina June 2022

Manchester United feel they are a step closer to signing Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez after submitting a third bid, according to a report.

United and Arsenal are chasing the versatile Argentina international following a standout season in the Netherlands. He has impressed at centre-back despite only standing at 5ft 9in.

However, Martinez can also operate at left-back, hence the intense transfer interest from the Premier League’s big guns.

Both United and Arsenal have already submitted two bids, both amounting to around £38million. But Ajax, who are under no pressure to sell their star players, have demanded more.

According to the Daily Mail, it is Man Utd who have buckled first, moving in with a new, £43million offer.

The newspaper reports that the offer is much closer to what Ajax want for Martinez. The Amsterdam giants will therefore consider the bid straight away on Friday.

New United boss Erik ten Hag, who left Ajax at the end of last season, wants to reunite with Martinez at Old Trafford. And he wants a deal for the defender wrapped up before Man Utd‘s pre-season tour.

United already had more solid grounding on the bidding front for Martinez. The Daily Mail says their £38million offer featured more up front than Arsenal’s matching bid.

What’s more, the Red Devils hope Ten Hag’s pull can sway the transfer race in their favour.

Lisandro Martinez wants Prem transfer

Ajax player Lisandro Martinez

Despite the obvious links with Ten Hag and Man Utd, Martinez is seemingly open to any Premier League move.

Previous reports detailed how he told Ajax that he wants to move to the English top flight – but did not want to force a move.

However, Martinez has altered that stance slightly, telling his current employers that reaching an agreement with either United or Arsenal as quickly as possible will be the best option for all concerned.

It remains unclear whether Arsenal will match United’s bid.

However, they will seemingly have to act fast, with Ajax looking into the Red Devils’ latest bid on Friday.

Should the Gunners match United again, Martinez would have a decision to make.

Ajax star wants step up

Ultimately, his concerns will come down to which club has the best project and where he can get the most game time and the best role.

Both Arsenal and United have options at centre-back and left-back, with Martinez having to fight his way into the teams.

Arsenal reportedly want cover at left-back and so are supposedly turning their attention to Benfica star Alex Grimaldo if they cannot get Martinez.

United favourites to sign Martinez

United favourites to sign Martinez

Arsenal and Manchester United are battling it out to sign highly rated Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez; his relationship with Erik Ten Hag could be a determining factor.

United have already added a new left-back in Tyrell Malacia this summer, so they will want Martinez as a centre-back option.

But senior pairing Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane will be back to prove themselves after a torrid season last term.

Martinez is an attractive proposition at centre-back or left-back and he must decide where fits him best. Any deal must of course be sanctioned by Ajax, who have yet to receive an upgraded Arsenal bid.