There is further frustration for Manchester United as Ajax have reportedly raised their asking price for Lisandro Martinez to €60 million.
According to De Telegraaf, Eredivisie champions Ajax have raised their asking price for Manchester United transfer target Lisandro Martinez to €60 million.
The Argentine international was a key player under Erik ten Hag at Ajax and has emerged as a target for the new Manchester United boss. Despite being in negotiations for some time, the Red Devils have been unable to reach an agreement with the Dutch giants.
The defence has been a major source of frustration at Old Trafford, despite the investment that has gone in to solidifying their roster in the previous transfer windows. In fact, only Leicester City conceded more goals than Manchester United among the teams in the Premier League top ten last season.
Manchester United have already brought in Tyrell Malacia, and many more could follow. Jurrien Timber was heavily linked with them at the beginning of the window, but attention now appears to have shifted to his Ajax teammate, Martinez.
At 24, the South American defender is yet to reach his prime and is ready to take his talents to the next level. Having impressed under ten Hag at Ajax, the time might be ripe for the player to seek a new challenge under the Manchester United boss.
The Argentine international has his heart set on moving to Old Trafford and is ready to battle Ajax against their stubbornness. The Dutch giants, however, continue to hold firm and have refused to negotiate with Manchester United for a deal worth €45 million plus €5 million in bonuses.
They have instead raised the asking price to €60 million, a significant amount for a player who cannot yet be considered an elite. Arsenal are also in the fray for the player, meaning Ajax can provoke a bidding war that will land them maximum cash for Martinez. However, by shifting the goalposts midway through negotiations, they could do themselves more harm than good.
A good passer of the ball who is also adept in aerial duels, Martinez would be a good addition to the Manchester United defence. Having a player well acquainted with his system should also be a blessing for ten Hag as he incorporates his style of play at the Theatre of Dreams.
With the Frenkie de Jong deal also running into trouble, Manchester United will do well to not get bogged down in negotiations and find a solution. With pre-season also underway, it is in their best interests to bring in new players as quickly as possible.
