Erik ten Hag’s presence at Manchester United could benefit the club in pursuing Arsenal target Lisandro Martinez.
According to the Daily Mail, Erik ten Hag could be the key factor in the race to sign Lisandro Martinez, as Manchester United could pip Arsenal for the Argentine international’s signature. The defender is high on the list of both clubs, although the Red Devils could race ahead in the chase.
The Lisandro Martinez transfer saga is picking up momentum, and Arsenal and Manchester United could enter a bidding war for the defender. Both clubs have the Argentine on top of their defensive wishlist. However, Ajax are demanding a sizeable fee in exchange for the versatile star, which the interested parties haven’t been able to match.
Arsenal began the pursuit and have seen at least two offers rejected by Ajax, as they fell well short of their reported £43 million valuations. However, the Gunners have since improved their second offer and its financial terms.
Mikel Arteta considers Martinez a defensive priority, as he likes the Argentine’s versatility. The Ajax star can play at the heart of the defence and at left-back, while his work on the ball is precisely what the Arsenal manager needs.
However, Arsenal face tough competition from Manchester United for Martinez. The Red Devils are waiting to see how the situation between Ajax and the Gunners develops, as the Dutch giants have not responded to Arsenal’s offer yet.
Manchester United had been surprisingly quiet in the transfer market until this week, but they are closing in on signing Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona and Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord. The latter is considered vital for new manager Erik ten Hag, who had been eyeing the Dutch defender from his Ajax days.
Manchester United are expected to lend their focus towards securing the services of Martinez after wrapping up the move for Malacia. And the report claims that ten Hag’s presence could sway the chase for the Argentine in the Red Devils’ favour, as the manager knows the player very well from Ajax.
Meanwhile, Martinez reportedly has no specific preference between Arsenal and Manchester United. However, as soon as the Gunners made their intent clear, the Argentine has been eager to play in the Premier League, although he has remained neutral in choosing clubs on offer.
Both Arsenal and Manchester United are well within a shot of securing the defender, although much will depend upon the quality of their respective offers for Martinez. As things stand, Ajax want £43 million, and both clubs could make a new offer in the coming days.
