Manchester United have made an improved offer worth €50 million for top defensive target Lisandro Martinez, while Arsenal are not giving up.
According to 90 min, Manchester United have lodged a new €50 million bid for Lisandro Martinez to get Ajax to agree on a deal. The Argentine international remains Erik ten Hag’s top defensive target, while rivals Arsenal are not giving up the chase.
The transfer saga involving Lisandro Martinez could be concluded soon, with move away from Ajax close to becoming a reality for the 24-year-old. The Argentine defender reportedly relayed his desire to leave the Dutch giants and join a Premier League team amid offers from Arsenal and Manchester United.
Arsenal were hoping to wrap up a move early in the transfer window but could not match Ajax’s asking price, with the Dutch giants rejecting two reasonable bids. The Gunners subsequently focused on signing Gabriel Jesus and chasing Raphinha, which allowed Manchester United to storm into the race.
Erik ten Hag knows the player well and is keen on a reunion at Manchester United. The Dutch manager has made his first signing by bringing in Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord and remains hopeful of wrapping up the Martinez transfer.
Manchester United are planning to push again for Lisandro Martínez, ten Hag considers him priority target. No intention to give up after opening bid turned down. ? #MUFC
Lisandro, always been ‘tempted’ by reunion with ten Hag – but he never refused Arsenal, still in the race. pic.twitter.com/V3Jtv9n03X
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 7, 2022
In recent weeks multiple reports have primed Manchester United to beat Arsenal for Martinez, but the race remains wide open. The Red Devils lodged their offer for the Argentine, which was supposedly higher than what the Gunners offered.
While Ajax have remained firm on their asking price of around, Manchester United have reportedly launched a new bid worth €50 million, which is very close to the Dutch club’s demands. The Red Devils hope to agree on the fee and then discuss personal terms with Martinez.
Erik ten Hag’s presence and know-how of the Argentine defender has put Manchester United in the driver’s seat in the chase. However, Arsenal remain in the race to sign Martinez, having established contacts well before the Red Devils made him their transfer priority.
Despite recent reports speculating Martinez has chosen Manchester United over Arsenal, there are suggestions the race remains wide open. The north Londoners are planning on holding fresh talks with Ajax and taking things forward. The Gunners could respond to Manchester United’s latest bid with an offer of their own, which may come closer to Ajax’s demands.
However, for now, Manchester United look like the prime contender to sign Martinez, with the defender understandably comfortable featuring under ten Hag once more. The next few days would be crucial in this transfer saga, as the Argentine is expected to decide his future.
