Ajax manager Alfred Schreuder has been quoted by Voetbal Primeur as saying “there is something going on” in terms of outgoings at Ajax – as Arsenal continue to rival Manchester United for defender Lisandro Martinez.
Argentina international Martinez, 24, has spent the last three years at Ajax – clocking up 118 outings. Last season he played 36 times, but it would have been more had a muscle injury not ruled him out for the last seven league games.
Erik Ten Hag wants to reunite with Martinez at Manchester United, according to The Athletic. But Arsenal have made a new-and-improved offer of £34million. Ajax are said to want slightly more, in the region of £43million.
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Asked about potential outgoings at Ajax this summer – with Antony, Nicolas Tagliafico and Jurrien Timber also linked with exits – Schreuder admitted there is something going on but nothing is “concrete” as of yet.
“It’s important to have the feeling that you’re all going in the right direction. There Of course there is something going on, but at the moment it is not really concrete. That is the truth,” Schreuder said, after a pre-season friendly.
Schreuder quoted as Arsenal rival Manchester United for Martinez
The reports state that Martinez is keen to move to the Premier League – whether that is with his old manager at United, or Arsenal. Both clubs are in a similar position, qualifying for the Europa League.
But underperforming in the sense that they are enormous Premier League sides, struggling to finish in the top four. Martinez would significantly improve both sides; arguably, United need him more.
Harry Maguire struggled last season, as did Raphael Varane. Arsenal had a solid partnership of Ben White and Gabriel but the latter is also being linked with an exit. An intriguing saga awaits Martinez this summer.
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