Manchester United have reportedly submitted a €40 million bid for Ajax’s Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez.
According to Argentine journalist Hernan Sisto, Manchester United have tabled an offer worth €40 million to secure the services of Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez. The Argentine defender played under Erik ten Hag in Amsterdam between 2019 and 2022, and the Dutch tactician seems eager for a reunion at Old Trafford.
Manchester United were initially interested in signing Martinez’s centre-back partner Jurrien Timber. However, former Manchester United manager and current Netherlands head coach Louis van Gaal coaxed the latter out of a move to Old Trafford. The Red Devils have since been linked with quite a few centre-backs, but are yet to get a deal through.
Martinez has emerged as a recent target, with reports claiming Manchester United are now leading the race to sign the Argentine international, who was named Ajax’s Player of the Year last season. The 24-year-old has made 118 appearances for the Eredivisie giants in three years and still has three years left on his contract with them.
However, amid interest from Premier League clubs, he could be on the move this summer. Arsenal are said to be heavily interested, with Mikel Arteta keen to sign a left-footed centre-back. As per David Ornstein, Martinez is Arsenal’s ‘defensive priority’ for the summer transfer window, and they have already had a €30 million bid rejected for the defender.
Oferta del #ManchesterUnited por Lisandro Martínez.
El equipo inglés quiere hacerse con el defensor argentino a cambio de €40 millones @mufcMPB pic.twitter.com/Sjh112qt5f— Hernán Sisto? (@HernanSisto) June 28, 2022
The Gunners are prepared to keep pushing for a move for the Argentine international and have reportedly tabled an improved offer for the 24-year-old. However, the north Londoners will now have to fend off interest from Manchester United, who have submitted a €40 million bid.
The Red Devils are set to have Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof as their primary centre-back options for the 2022/23 season, while the futures of Eric Bailly and Phil Jones are still unclear. Thus, adding a central defender is of utmost priority for the Premier League heavyweights.
Alternatively, Manchester United could utilise Martinez as a holding midfielder, with the Argentine international capable of reprising the role. The Red Devils have reportedly reached an agreement with Barcelona for Frenkie de Jong’s transfer, while Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia is closing in on a move to Old Trafford too. It will be interesting to see if the €40 million offer does the trick for Manchester United to sign Martinez.
