Arsenal have reportedly cooled their interest in Lisandro Martinez as Manchester United increasingly look like favourites to sign the Argentine defender.
According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal could bow out of the race to sign Lisandro Martinez, with Manchester United firmly in the driver’s seat in pursuit of the Argentine defender.
The Lisandro Martinez saga could see its conclusion in the coming days as Manchester United increasingly look like the favourites to secure his services. The Red Devils have not agreed on a fee yet with Ajax, but it may be a matter of time before they do so.
Arsenal were the early runners in the race to sign the Argentine, having expressed their interest at the start of the transfer window. The Gunners have had at least two bids rejected by Ajax, with their latest totalling £34 million-plus bonuses adding another £4 million to the equation.
Ajax have always wanted around £43 million for the 24-year-old centre-back and have stood firm on their valuation. Arsenal sensed they were being dragged into a bidding war, which they never wanted in the first place. Mikel Arteta considered Martinez his top defensive target and hoped to wrap up a deal early.
However, Manchester United’s arrival in the chase complicated matters for the Gunners. While the Red Devils have not offered exorbitant sums to prise the defender away from Ajax, they have consistently matched Arsenal with their own bids.
Even though Arsenal reportedly planned to hold fresh talks with Ajax to agree on a fee, they are not looking to lodge a new offer. Ajax may have slightly raised their asking price from £43 million to £45 million during this period.
Manchester United lodged a new bid of around £43 million and hoped Ajax would accept the proposal. Meanwhile, Martinez has been pushing for a move to the Premier League and never rejected the idea of joining Arsenal. Many believed the Gunners could still be in the race until the last few days, but things have changed.
Manchester United remain confident of sealing a move, as Ajax have recently been open to discussing the final fee with the Red Devils. There is a growing belief the agreement could be done for around £45 million, as Erik ten Hag’s presence at Old Trafford has helped matters immensely for the club.
As for Arsenal, they might look at alternatives to Martinez, as the chase for Martinez could be over. There are hardly any players that fit the Argentine international’s mould, and Arteta is set to tinker with his ideas for a new defensive target.
