La Liga champions Real Madrid have reportedly set their sights on in-form Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Lisandro Martinez has emerged on the radar of Real Madrid. The reigning La Liga champions are considering signing the Manchester United defender when they enter the market again.
Lisandro Martinez has seen his stock skyrocket since arriving in Europe over three years ago. The 24-year-old went from strength to strength at Ajax in the last three seasons before earning a big move this past summer. And after a tussle between Arsenal and Manchester United, he joined the latter.
The Argentine international took no time to become a mainstay at the back for Manchester United. And Martinez has been ever-present for the Red Devils, turning out 21 times thus far this season. The player’s progress has not gone unnoticed either, with Real Madrid showing interest in him.
The Merengues have signed a centre-back in the last three summer transfer windows. Eder Militao joined Real Madrid in 2020 before David Alaba arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu last year. And Real Madrid signed Antonio Rudiger in a Bosman move this past summer, thus creating a formidable central defensive unit.
But the reigning La Liga champions are in a spot of bother over Nacho’s long-term future. The veteran defender is in the final few months of his contract and has yet to sign a new deal. And recent reports have linked the Spaniard with several Italian clubs, including AC Milan and AS Roma.
Several centre-backs have thus emerged on Real Madrid’s radar, including Stefan de Vrij. And Lisandro Martinez is also a viable target for Los Blancos following his exploits this season. But Manchester United will likely put up a strong fight to keep hold of the in-form Argentine defender.
A move in one of the two transfer windows next year seems improbable. Manchester United will be unwilling to part ways with Martinez, who should be one of the poster boys of the Erik ten Hag project. So Real Madrid might have to identify alternatives to bolster the central defensive unit.
