Arsenal are interested in signing Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez but Manchester United could beat them to the signing, as per David Ornstein.
The Athletic journalist is claiming that Man United have already agreed on a deal for Tyrell Malacia and now they are trying to reach an agreement with Lisandro Martinez.
Arsenal were the first major club who had shown an interest in the 24-year-old but now Man United are making rapid strides toward signing him.
Ajax are reluctant to lose the defender but Martinez is reportedly keen to move to the Premier League and since United are not likely to sign Jurrien Timber, Erik ten Hag has made Lisandro Martinez his foremost priority.
Most long balls completed per game at Ajax in the 21/22 Eredivisie season [outfield]:
🇦🇷 Lisandro Martinez – 5.4
🇳🇱 Daley Blind – 5.1
🇳🇱 Steven Berghuis – 2.8Impressive range 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/3L84CG6hV2
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) July 1, 2022
Will Man United be able to sign Lisandro Martinez before Arsenal?
A few days ago, Dutch journalist Marcel Van der Krann had claimed that Man United are predicted to make progress within the coming few days and now Ornstein has more or less backed this statement.
Ajax want around €45-50m for Lisandro Martinez and while Arsenal and Man United can both pay this fee, we think United have a slight upper hand in this deal.
The 24-year-old is a central defender but can also play as a full-back and that’s what Arteta wants to use him as. The Arsenal manager wants to use Lisandro Martinez as the backup to left-back Kieran Tierney.
However, Erik ten Hag wants to use Martinez as a central defender and given how poor Maguire and Lindelof have been, the 24-year-old could very well become the long-term partner to Raphael Varane next season.
If Lisandro Martinez is really interested in moving to the Premier League then he will definitely want regular playing time(in his primary position) and right now, Manchester United are the club who can provide him with that.
Both Arsenal and Man United will be playing in the Europa League next season but United are the ones who should end up signing the Argentinian international.
