Manchester United have joined Arsenal in the race to sign Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez who has made it clear that he wants to leave the club this summer and play for an English Premier League team next season.
The Argentinian is wanted by his former manager Erik ten Hag at Manchester United while Arsenal are also interested in securing his services but Ajax values the center-back at £43million which could be a problem.
The North London club had submitted two offers for Lisandro Martinez but were rejected with the last one on Monday which is worth £34m plus add-ons up to £38m.
Manchester United has now reacted with a £35.3 million offer plus guaranteed add-ons to make it £38 million, but they also have the influence of coach Erik ten Hag, who developed a close bond with Lisandro while coaching the Dutch champions.
While on vacation in Ibiza, Lisandro has already informed the Ajax board which also included Edwin van der Sar and Klass-Jan Huntelaar, that had already made up his mind after receiving formal bids of £38 million from Manchester United and Arsenal.
Lisandro Martínez and his camp will be clear again with Ajax board: he only wants Premier League football. So he wants to make a choice between Arsenal and Man United proposals, hoping for Ajax to let him go. 🔴 #transfers
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 3, 2022
Erik ten Hag, confident on this deal – pushing again. pic.twitter.com/ivkaHhCNvu
The Argentina center-back has made his desire known while acknowledging how Ajax has helped him to develop into a better player but doesn’t want the opportunity to pass him by. According to the 24-year-old footballer, playing in the Premier League has been his dream and he doesn’t consider himself in the Netherlands league by next season.
He has informed the club that it would be best for both parties involved to reach an agreement with either Manchester United or Arsenal.
Lisandro has so far maintained a modest profile due to his popularity and love for Ajax and its followers.
Nevertheless, at the age of 24, he is determined to seize the chance that has presented itself and wants Ajax to uphold what he views as the gentleman’s agreement that was established when he signed a contract extension with them. There is a part in the deal that guarantees that he would be allowed to leave the club should a major club make a sizable offer for him.
Lisandro is still grateful to Ajax for bringing him to Europe from Defensa y Justicia in 2017. However, the Argentinian thinks the numbers presented are a very good financial proposal for the team, and he is eager to play in the Premier League.
Lisandro has no preference at this moment but it is believed that Lisandro has spoken to Ten Hag and has a good bond with the United manager as a result of their time together at Ajax.
Lisandro Martinez is a footballer with a lot of versatility and can play either left-back or defensive midfield.
