Manchester United are reportedly weighing up a fresh move for Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez this summer amid competition from Arsenal.
According to a report from De Telegraaf, Manchester United are exploring the possibility of signing Lisandro Martinez. The Red Devils are weighing up a fresh move for the Ajax starlet and are expected to go the extra mile in their attempts to sign the young defender ahead of Arsenal in the summer transfer window.
Arsenal were linked with a move for Martinez earlier in the summer. But the Gunners have faced a setback in the pursuit as it was thought the Argentine defender would remain at Ajax, especially with Jurrien Timber being linked with a move away from Amsterdam amid interest from Manchester United.
Manchester United, though, are ready to make a lucrative offer for the Argentine, who has enjoyed stellar success since joining Ajax in the summer of 2019. In just three years, Martinez has racked up 118 competitive appearances for the Dutch club, establishing himself as one of the top defenders in his country in the process.
Despite standing at just 1.75m, Martinez has made a name for himself with his ability to read the game. His technical nous, combined with his overall athleticism have made him a competent centre-back capable of performing at the highest level. With seven caps for the national team, the Ajax starlet is also set to become a probable part of Argentina’s squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Lisandro Martinez’s success at Ajax has not gone unnoticed, with Manchester United more than prepared to make a move for the Argentine international. The club’s interest in the player comes in the midst of uncertainty over the future of Eric Bailly while Phil Jones is set to be offloaded ahead of the new season.
It should pave the way for Manchester United to bring in a fresh face to the defensive unit. The addition of Martinez, to that end, could be useful as the 24-year-old can compete with Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire for a place in the first team next season.
Martinez has worked with Erik ten Hag in the past and should not find it difficult to settle into life at Old Trafford. His technical astuteness may also enhance Manchester United’s build-up play from the back, thus making him an ideal coup for the Red Devils this summer. But the competition from Arsenal might complicate matters for the Red Devils.
