Arsenal has submitted a third bid for Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez. However, Manchester United are looking to hijack the deal with a bid themselves.
According to the Sun:
"The North London club have improved the financial terms of their second bid of £34million for the centre-back."
Mikel Arteta’s side has clearly shown how badly they want the Argentine international, with the Gunners having made multiple improved bids for the defender. They are looking to strengthen their defensive line and have long identified him as a priority for the summer.
Arsenal have submitted offers for Lisandro Martinez, while #mufc are prioritising getting de Jong and Malacia over the line. They have, however, had talks with his agent. [@FabrizioRomano, @caughtoffside]
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) June 30, 2022
Manchester United Are Also Interested in Lisandro Martinez
talkSPORT have reported that:
"United are plotting a rival £40million bid."
Martinez played under the new Old Trafford boss, Eric ten Hag, at Ajax so his former manager could tempt him to choose them over Arsenal.
At Ajax, they won the Eredivisie twice in successive seasons in 2021 and 2022. He also won Ajax Player of the Year last season. Martinez was key to both title wins and would be a great asset to the rebuild happening at Manchester United.
Martinez joined the Dutch club from the Argentine club Defensa y Justicia and started his career at Newell’s Old Boys. He has seven caps for his country and was part of the Argentina squad that won the Copa America in 2021.
He is predominately a centre-back but he can also play defensive midfield and left-back. At just 5ft 9 inches, he relies on his intelligence and reading of the game to better more physical opponents. He is just 24 years old and would be a great prospect for any top club.
Arsenal's interest in Lisandro Martinez is more advanced that that of #mufc. [@FabrizioRomano, @caughtoffside]
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) June 30, 2022
Arsenal and Manchester United Leaves Martinez With a Difficult Decision to Be Made
It would be a tough call between Arsenal and Manchester United for Martinez, especially with both clubs offering Europa League football. Playing under his former manager Ten Hag at Old Trafford and being part of their rebuild could edge his decision.
The Gunners have been more active in the transfer window with Gabriel Jesus reportedly on his way to the Emirates. United’s lack of transfer activity will have frustrated their players and fans. Ten Hag needs a signing to keep the fans happy and show that he is the man to get the club back to challenging for titles.
Martinez knows he can perform under Ten Hag and would believe he would start for the club possibly alongside captain Harry Maguire. It is a World Cup year and playing time is crucial to the Argentine.
In the 2021 Copa America Martinez played just once. A move to North London or Manchester and playing well in the Premier League could force Lionel Scaloni to give Martinez a starting place in his team for Qatar.
The top players need to be playing in the best leagues and if Martinez has the opportunity to move to the Premier League, then he has got to take it.