Arsenal are reportedly set to hold fresh talks with Ajax this week to pip Manchester United to the signing of Lisandro Martinez.
According to The Athletic, Arsenal are poised to meet Dutch champions AFC Ajax this week to hold new discussions over the potential signing of Lisandro Martinez. The 24-year-old defender is also a target for the Gunners’ Premier League rivals Manchester United.
Lisandro Martinez has sparked quite the transfer tug of war between Arsenal and Manchester United this summer. The Argentine international is a versatile operator who can play at centre-back, left-back and even in defensive midfield if required, making him an enticing target for both the Premier League giants.
Arsenal have been hot on the trails of Martinez for quite some time now. The north London club have a well-stocked defensive unit with Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes, Rob Holding and William Saliba, who is back after a successful loan spell at Marseille. However, his future at the Emirates is still uncertain, with Marseille pushing for his permanent transfer.
With Pablo Mari also likely to be sold permanently, Arsenal have been pressing to sign Martinez. Manager Mikel Arteta could also use the Ajax ace at left-back when Kieran Tierney is unavailable, considering that Nuno Tavares struggled in his debut campaign last time out. To that end, Arsenal have submitted as many as three bids to Ajax for Martinez, but without any success.
Meanwhile, Manchester United seemed to have stolen a march on Arsenal in pursuit of Martinez. The Red Devils are also in the market for defensive reinforcements to make up for the imminent departures of Eric Bailly, Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe. New manager Erik ten Hag, who coached the Argentine at Ajax for three years, has been pushing Manchester United to sign him.
Indeed, Manchester United have lodged an offer of €45 million for Martinez, with the defender said to be open to the prospect of reuniting with ten Hag at Old Trafford. However, the bid is still short of Ajax’s valuation, with the Dutch giants hoping to fetch at least €50 million for his services. It leaves the door ajar for Arsenal to make another attempt at signing Martinez.
The Athletic now claims that Arsenal are planning to hold a new meeting with Ajax this week to discuss the transfer as they make an effort to beat Manchester United to Martinez’s signing. The Argentine international is keen on a move to the Premier League, so personal terms are unlikely to be an issue. What remains to be seen is who among Arsenal and Manchester United meet Ajax’s valuation for the defender.
