Arsenal now expect ‘fantastic’ target will join PL rival, seeking alternatives

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Arsenal have admitted defeat in the Gunners’ pursuit of Lisandro Martinez, and expect the Ajax defender will snub their interest to sign for Premier League rivals Manchester United.

That’s according to ESPN, who claim Gunners boss Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu are now actively seeking alternatives. The Emirates Stadium hierarchy have strived to take the defender to north London this summer, yet no longer believe they are in the running.

Instead, Manchester United are close to finalising terms with Ajax to sign Martinez, which will reunite the Argentine with Erik ten Hag. The 24-year-old is likely to cost the Red Devils in excess of €50m (£42m), but he will offer depth in both defence and midfield at Old Trafford.

Arsenal now expect Ajax ace Lisandro Martinez to sign for Manchester United

Ajax are on the verge of giving Manchester United the green light to sign Martinez with the Eredivisie giants scouting replacements. Ten Hag has pushed Red Devils chiefs to bring the seven-cap international to England due to his ability to possibly play in two areas of need.

Arsenal also admired Martinez’s versatility, with The Athletic reporting Arteta was primarily interested in him as a left-back. Ten Hag, in contrast, will focus on his former Ajax ace as a centre-back, as his profile differs from Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof.

Additionally, The Athletic note the Red Devils could pay an initial €55m (£46.5m) plus add-ons to edge the Gunners’ interest. The Athletic previously reported Arsenal submitted an offer worth €30m (£25.5m), while De Telegraaf later cited an improved €40m (£34m) bid.

Martinez signing for Manchester United will allow the Gualeguay native a chance to justify Jaap Stam’s praise. But the Red Devils icon is not entirely confident in the fees in question.

“Whether Martinez is worth €50m, that is difficult to say,” Stam told AD earlier this month. “This kind of money has become normal, especially in England.

“I have become a fan of his. I think he’s a fantastic guy, with a good temperament and a winning mentality. For trainers, those are great players to work with.”