Arsenal Transfers: Premier League club to rival Gunners for Lisandro Martinez’s signature

Arsenal aren’t alone in their pursuit of Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez with reports coming out of the Netherlands that Manchester United have turned their attentions to the 24-year-old.

The Gunners are said to have had their opening bid rejected by the Dutch giants for the Argentine, but the club are readying an improved second bid – believed to be in the region of £30m.

Martinez would be a brilliant addition to Mikel Arteta’s side. He was named Ajax’s Player of the Season for this work throughout 2021/22 as Erik ten Hag’s side lifted yet another Eredivisie title.

The defender’s capacity to perform several functions to a high level and his technical proficiency would see him fit in seamlessly in Arteta’s set-up. But, Ten Hag’s United are putting a spanner in the works.

Manchester United to rival Arsenal for Lisandro Martinez’s signature

United had been interested in signing Martinez’s teammate this summer, Jurrien Timber. However, the Dutch defender is poised to stay in Amsterdam for at least another season.

Thus, their attentions have shifted to the Argentine, with De Telegraaf reporting that United are readying an offer for the defender.

The Red Devils’ reported interest will undoubtedly concern many supporters, who were already getting excited over the prospect of one of Europe’s finest technicians strutting his stuff in north London. Martinez’s familiarity with Ten Hag, who oversaw his arrival to Ajax from Argentinian outfit Defensa in 2019, and his system could convince the defender to make the switch to Old Trafford as opposed to the Emirates.

The interested parties, though, will have to send Ajax an offer that the Dutch club simply cannot refuse. Fabrizio Romano reported over the weekend that they don’t intend to sell either Martinez or Timber this summer.

Arsenal, however, are still very much in the race for the versatile defender and we should see the club make a second proposal in the coming days.