Watch: Journalist reveals Man Utd could hijack Arsenal’s Martinez bid
Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez is reportedly at the centre of a transfer battle between Manchester United and Arsenal.
Martinez joined Ajax from Defensa y Justicia in 2019 and has since made 120 appearances for the club, helping them win two Eredivisie titles and the KNVB Cup.
The centre-back, who can also play at left-back and in midfield, has three years left on his Ajax contract and is reportedly valued at around £43million.
Arsenal have already made two offers for the Argentina international and are awaiting a response after tabling a second bid worth £35million.
But United, who are managed by former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag, are also interested in Martinez as they look to bolster their defensive options ahead of the 2022-23 season.
“I find Lisandro Martínez an excellent player, he is actually starting material and this is why I talk with him a lot,” Ten Hag told ESPN back in January 2021.
United have already hijacked Lyon’s move for Tyrell Mitchell, agreeing to pay an initial fee of £13million for the Feyenoord left-back.
According to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook, the Red Devils could be about to do it again as they prepare to compete with Arsenal for the signing of Martinez.
“Once those two [Frenkie de Jong and Malacia] are over the line, my understanding is that Erik ten Hag’s next targets are the Ajax duo Antony and Lisandro Martinez,” Crook said.
“Arsenal are pushing for a move [for Martinez] and Manchester United are keeping a very close eye on that situation and they are ready to step in with a rival bid I’m told for around about £40million.
“So four possible arrivals at Manchester United, all players that Ten Hag knows from the Dutch division.”
✅ De Jong deal set to be complete
✅ Feyenoord’s Malacia to join soon👀 Looking to hijack #AFC’s move for Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez@Alex_Crook provides an exciting update on #MUFC’s transfer plans! 🔴 pic.twitter.com/2PR2Fwkt2c
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) June 29, 2022
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