Manchester United have reportedly stepped up interest to sign 24-year-old Ajax centre-back Lisandro Martinez.
According to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, Manchester United have stepped up their efforts to sign Ajax central defender Lisandro Martinez. Arsenal are also among his potential suitors, but the Red Devils seem to be leading the race for the Argentine centre-back.
Erik ten Hag’s appointment as Manchester United manager has seen the club pursue a few of his former charges at Ajax. Defender Jurrien Timber was amongst the first players from ten Hag’s former club to be linked with a move to Old Trafford. However, the young centre-back was talked out of a move to Manchester United by the Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal.
Antony is another Ajax player on Manchester United’s radar, with the club expected to speed things up in his pursuit following reports that Cristiano Ronaldo could be leaving the club this summer. The Red Devils have now turned their attention towards Martinez.
Arsenal were the first Premier League club to show interest in the 24-year-old Argentine international but have had multiple bids turned down by the Dutch giants. Manchester United stepped in the race and have now seemingly taken the lead. They are reportedly confident of signing Martinez in the ongoing summer transfer window.
?? #ManUTD are speeding things up for Lisandro #Martinez.
? An offer close to the #Ajax's requests is ready: the next few days could be decisive for the negotiation. ?⚽️ #Transfers #MUFC https://t.co/WPPpOvhxjy
— Rudy Galetti (@RudyGaletti) July 5, 2022
The Red Devils recently made an offer to Ajax for Martinez’s services and are in advanced talks to get the deal through. Manchester United have prepared another offer, which is close to Ajax’s asking price for Martinez, who still has three years left on his deal with them.
The 24-year-old was one of the driving forces behind Ajax’s Eredivise title win in the recently-concluded season and was also named their Player of the Year. Since joining them in 2019, the Argentine internaional has made 118 appearances for the club, also scoring four and assisting nine goals.
Martinez is believed to be happy to again play under his former manager ten Hag, and the next few days could give us a lot more clarity on Martinez’s future. Meanwhile, Manchester United have completed another signing from the Eredivisie. They have made Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia their first signing of the ten Hag era.
