Manchester United confident of signing Lisandro Martinez

Manchester United are reportedly confident of signing Lisandro Martinez, with advanced talks planned with Ajax to discuss the final fee.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United are getting closer to signing Lisandro Martinez, with talks set to move into the advanced stage. The Dutch giants are now open to discussing the final fee, with the Argentine international keen on leaving this summer.

The Lisandro Martinez transfer saga may see its conclusion soon, as Manchester United are confident of signing their primary defensive target. Erik ten Hag had urged the club’s board to bring his former Ajax charge to Old Trafford.

Manchester United faced intense competition from Arsenal for a considerable period, but the Gunners have now seemingly cooled their interest. The north Londoners are not interested in a bidding war as the tussle for Martinez was heading in that direction. Mikel Arteta has since switched focus towards signing Alejandro Grimaldo from Benfica.

Manchester United have thus become favourites in the race to sign Martinez, with ten Hag’s presence proving key in the transfer battle. The 24-year-old Argentine international was initially pleased with Arsenal’s interest while remaining open to playing under the former Ajax manager.

Manchester United are now feeling confident on Lisandro Martínez deal. Ajax are open to discuss on the fee, new contacts expected very soon after bid rejected last week. ?? #MUFC

Lisandro, pushing again with Ajax to leave the club this summer.

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 12, 2022

Recent reports have suggested Ajax could demand around €60 million, although a €50 million offer could suffice in reality. The Dutch giants do not want to lose the players under their valuations and have hence been holding the fort tight all this while.

Manchester United reportedly lodged a €50 million offer, which was under consideration. And Ajax are now reportedly willing to discuss the final fee with Manchester United, with Martinez pushing for an exit on his end. The two clubs are expected to conclude the move imminently, with the Argentine international set to become a Red Devil.

Manchester United are in a confident mood ahead of the planned talks. With the 24-year-old keen on joining them and a fee closer to getting agreed, ten Hag could soon have his primary defensive target on their pre-season tour. However, the final details are yet to be finalised, although it could only be a matter of time from here on.

If they can complete the move this week, Martinez would become Manchester United’s second summer signing after Tyrell Malacia arrived from Feyenoord. The club are still on the hunt for Frenkie de Jong, as ten Hag continues to target some of his old stars he managed at Ajax.