Manchester United Make Improved £42M Bid for Lisandro Martinez

Manchester United have submitted an improved bid of £42million to secure the signing of Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez.

The offer came shortly after Argentine reporter Gastón Edul confirmed Martinez’s preference for a move to United over Arsenal, who have also been linked with the player in recent weeks, and that the decisive factor for the 24-year-old was the chance to be reunited with his former coach, Erik ten Hag.

"Lisandro Martinez chose to continue his career at Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United. He [Ten Hag] was the coach who made him stronger as a player, and Lisandro took that into account [when making] his decision.Edul reported."

He also stressed the need for United to act quickly, saying that they “need to close the transfer with Ajax now.”

Martinez’s intentions clear amid Manchester United’s interest

Martinez had made his intentions clear to Ajax of his desire to play in the Premier League, and that he was adamant to leave this summer providing a suitable offer was made for him. Arsenal reportedly approached the Dutch side with an offer of around £34million earlier on in the transfer window, which was rejected for being too short of their asking price.

Reputable reporter Mike Verweij broke the news last night of United’s raised offer for the Argentine, with the club now meeting the valuation set by last season’s Eredivisie champions.

Since making the move to Amsterdam in 2019, Martinez has racked up 120 appearances for Ajax, all of which came under Ten Hag.

Despite being used primarily as a centre-back throughout his career, the star has also been deployed as both a defensive midfielder and a full-back, with his versatility likely being one of his most desirable attributes to interested clubs.

Martinez acknowledged this skill himself in the past when previously speaking to La Nacion:

"The club always gives you information, but you have to do extras yourself for a new position. I watch football all the time and I observe all players in all positions and look at how they move. I love the details about players."

Should Ajax accept United’s lucrative offer for the defender, Martinez is set to become the Red Devils’ second signing of the summer after the club announced the transfer of Dutch left-back Tyrell Malacia on Tuesday, for a fee of £14.6million.

Christian Eriksen is also rumoured to have verbally agreed to a three-year deal with the Manchester side, whilst the ongoing Frenkie De Jong transfer saga remains at a standstill as the clubs try and progress in their talks for the Netherlands international.