Manchester United are reportedly on the verge of signing Lisandro Martinez from Ajax, with the deal in its final stages.
According to Rudy Galetti, Manchester United are inching closer to bringing Lisandro Martinez to Old Trafford. The Italian journalist suggests the signing could be very close to completion as the deal between the Red Devils and Ajax is in its final stages.
Lisandro Martinez has become a subject of intense transfer speculation in the last month or so, with at least two of England’s biggest clubs vying for his signature. Arsenal and Manchester United are both in the chase for the Argentine international, and it seems the latter has won the race.
Arsenal began the hunt after having two sizeable offers rejected by Ajax. At that point, Martinez was keen on a Premier League adventure and seemed to fit Mikel Arteta’s setup from a tactical perspective. However, the Gunners were not close enough to matching Ajax’s asking price, meaning the chase dragged on.
The Gunners held fresh talks with Ajax to close the deal, but by then, Manchester United had made their interest firm in the versatile defender. Erik ten Hag wanted the 24-year-old and urged the club to find a resolution with Ajax to complete the transfer.
?⏳ Lisandro #Martinez from #Ajax to #MUFC is just a matter of time. ?
‼️? Only final paperwork to be done. Unless sensational twists, the DONE DEAL is expected soon. ?⚽ #ManUTD #Transfers https://t.co/BWCjihxe56
— Rudy Galetti (@RudyGaletti) July 6, 2022
Manchester United have since stepped up their efforts to sign Martinez, although they had not found an agreement with Ajax. Meanwhile, the Argentine international has been aware of the interest from both clubs and has remained open to joining either outfit as long as he moves to the Premier League.
Manchester United made a €45 million offer, thus making Ajax think about the 24-year-old defender’s future. As per Rudy Galetti, the Red Devils are now very close to signing Martinez as talks have reportedly reached the final stages.
The tweet suggests the clubs could sign the paperwork, and it may be the case of ten Hag managing to bring his former charge to his new environment. However, Galetti mentions the space for a new twist, and Arsenal will keep a close eye on developments.
There are no confirmations from the player’s side about his preference between the two clubs. However, it is believed that Arsenal remain equally interested in Martinez, which could point towards a new twist if the Gunners match Manchester United’s offer or place a better bid.
For now, Manchester United seem to have won the chase, and if things go their way, Martinez could soon be landing at Old Trafford. It would be a fantastic addition for the club and ten Hag, as the team suffered from defensive deficiencies last season.
