Manchester United are preparing to make an offer to sign Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez in the summer, claims De Telegraaf journalist Mike Verweij. The Red Devils are ready to rival fellow Premier League side Arsenal for the defender after missing out on Jurrien Timber’s signing.
Manchester United Set to Make Bid for Lisandro Martinez
🚨 – After not being able to sign Timber, Manchester United have switched their attention to Lisandro Martínez who Ten Hag knows for 3 years. Meanwhile, Arsenal could also return with another offer for the player. [via @MikeVerweij] pic.twitter.com/qkbIWGL7vf
— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) June 20, 2022
Arsenal to Rival United for Lisandro Martinez
The Red Devils are facing stiff competition from Arsenal for the defender. The Gunners are also eyeing a move for the 24-year-old and have been doing so for the past few weeks. After having an initial offer of €30 million rejected by Ajax recently, the Gunners could now also return with a new and improved offer for Martinez.
If United are able to produce a significantly better offer than the one Arsenal had rejected, they could persuade Ajax to seriously ponder selling the Argentine defender in the summer.
Fortunately for United, they have a trump card in the form of Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman has a strong relationship with his former Ajax player and could play a vital role in convincing him to join his project at Old Trafford and reject a move to North London.
Erik Ten Hag’s Past History With Lisandro Martinez Possible Swaying Factor
United are eager to sign a new centre-back in the summer after experiencing major issues last season. Ten Hag has a solid history of working with Martinez and was the one to sign him for Ajax in 2019.
The two worked together for three years at the Eredivisie club and the Argentine defender was part of the Ajax side that won the Eredivisie title twice in the last three years under Ten Hag.
With the Red Devils unlikely to be able to sign Jurrien Timber, they have switched their focus on another Ajax defender. Martinez is well aware of how Ten Hag’s system works and is a perfect fit for it.
The 24-year-old is also a highly versatile player. He can not only operate as a centre-back but also play as a left-back as well as a holding midfielder if necessary.
With the Red Devils desperate to fix their defence – which conceded 57 goals in 38 Premier League games last season – they are now pushing for a new centre-back signing and could rope in a versatile, composed left-footed defender in the form of Martinez.
