Manchester United want Lisandro Martinez and think they can beat Arsenal to his signature after talks with Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.
Martinez has become a man in demand this summer having won Ajax’s Player of the Year award this past season.
Left-footed centre backs are highly-valued in the modern game due to the balance they can provide in build-up play from the back.
Martinez fits that bill perfectly and there is now something of a scramble for his signature this summer.
Manchester United want Lisandro Martinez
Arsenal have been heavily interested in signing Martinez and made a £34million bid to sign him last week.
The Gunners are looking for a defender who can cover at left-sided centre back and left back, with Martinez seen as the ideal candidate.
Martinez has played in both positions at Ajax and even as a holding midfielder, with his versatility now attracting major interest.
The 24-year-old is fairly small for a centre back at 5ft 9in tall but is now at the centre of a major transfer battle.
Not only do Arsenal want Martinez, but also Manchester United – who are managed by his former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag.
The Mirror now report that United are confident of beating Arsenal to Martinez’s signing.
It’s stated that Ajax director Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has been in London in recent days and held talks with United over a deal involving Martinez.
United have allegedly increased their offer to around £39million, meaning they are now in the lead over Arsenal.
Talks are understood to have gone well, leaving United feeling that they are in pole position for Martinez’s signature.
The influence of Ten Hag could be absolutely vital here and with United accelerating their move, it looks like Arsenal may need to have some alternative targets in mind.
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