Manchester United have reportedly tabled a €45 million offer for Ajax defender and Arsenal transfer target Lisandro Martinez.
According to De Telegraaf, Manchester United have made their move to try and beat Arsenal to the signing of Lisandro Martinez by offering €45 million to AFC Ajax for the Argentine defender.
Martinez has grown leaps and bounds since he moved to Ajax in 2019 from Argentine outfit Defensa y Justicia. Brought in as a potential replacement for left-back Nicolas Tagliafico, the 24-year-old has found success in the left-sided centre-back role for the Dutch giants, winning two Eredivisie titles in the process.
Martinez’s quality and versatility have put him on the radars of top clubs in Europe. Barcelona had shown an interest in the Ajax ace, although they have moved on to other targets. Now it is Arsenal and Manchester United who are battling it out to sign the 24-year-old centre-half this summer.
Arsenal had made the first move for Martinez but saw their opening bid get knocked back by Ajax. Since then, the Gunners have tabled two more offers, as Mikel Arteta looks to add more depth and quality to his backline. But Arsenal are yet to convince the Dutch champions to part ways with their defensive mainstay. It has left the doors open for Manchester United to push for the Argentine’s signing.
Lisandro Martínez and his camp will be clear again with Ajax board: he only wants Premier League football. So he wants to make a choice between Arsenal and Man United proposals, hoping for Ajax to let him go. ? #transfers
Erik ten Hag, confident on this deal – pushing again. pic.twitter.com/ivkaHhCNvu
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 3, 2022
Manchester United need to get a move on in the transfer window as they are yet to make a single signing, while most of their rivals have significantly strengthened their rosters already. While a midfielder and a striker should be the priorities for Erik ten Hag, a new centre-half would also be a welcome addition.
Manchester United are ready to show the exit doors to Eric Bailly, with Fulham interested. On top of that, Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe are also expected to move on. And given how unconvincing Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof were last season, the need for a new defender cannot be overstated.
Having failed in their efforts to lure Jurrien Timber, Manchester United have turned their attention toward his centre-back partner Lisandro Martinez. Recent reports had indicated that the Red Devils had begun advanced negotiations with Ajax to sign the Argentine international. And as per the latest update, a bid has been made by the Premier League giants.
Manchester United have tabled an offer worth €41 million with an additional €4 million in bonuses, taking the total value of the package to €45 million. However, it is still short of Ajax’s valuation of their star defender, with the Dutch giants demanding €50 million. But, according to the report, Martinez is keen on making the switch to the Premier League, which might force them to accept a lower offer.
