Report: Manchester United Make £34.5million Bid For Lisandro Martinez 

Report: Manchester United Make £34.5million Bid For Lisandro Martinez - Sports Illustrated Manchester United News, Analysis and More Skip to main content

Manchester United make £35m bid Lisandro Martinez in head-to-head battle with Arsenal for Ajax star 

© GETTY IMAGES Lisandro Martinez - GETTY IMAGES Manchester United have stepped up their interest in Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez by making a bid of around £35 million, Telegraph Sport understands. United are locked in a head-to-head battle with Arsenal in the race for Martinez, who can play as a centre-back, left-back and defensive midfielder. Arsenal have also made a similar offer for the 24-year-old and Telegraph Sport understands they remain firmly in contention for his signature. The concrete interest from the two Premier League rivals is encouraging news for Ajax, who will hope to drive up the price for Martinez in a bidding war. Ajax have no need to sell the Argentina international this summer and in the Netherlands it is believed that the club will look to hold out on agreeing a deal for as long as possible. Video: The Future of Roberto Firmino in Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool Side (Liverpool Echo) The Future of Roberto Firmino in Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool Side SHARE SHARE TWEET SHARE EMAIL Click to expand UP NEXT The solidification of United’s interest is further evidence of Erik ten Hag’s admiration for Martinez, his former player. Martinez was named Ajax’s player of the season last year and his relationship with Ten Hag could prove crucial in the battle between United and Arsenal. It is understood that Mikel Arteta’s approach also appeals to Martinez, however, and there is no indication at this stage that Arsenal will drop their interest as a result of United’s offer. Martinez’s desire to test himself in the Premier League could also be important, with the defender expected to make his feelings clear upon his return to Ajax from holiday. Meanwhile, United are closing in on the signing of Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia, who is set to become the first arrival of Ten Hag’s United reign after agreeing a five-year deal. United have agreed to pay around £13m for the Dutch international after hijacking his move to Lyon. United remain in discussions with Barcelona over the pursuit of midfielder Frenkie de Jong, with the club hopeful a deal will be finalised soon. Sign up to the Front Page newsletter for free: Your essential guide to the day's agenda from The Telegraph - direct to your inbox seven days a week.

Manchester United submit opening £39million bid for Lisandro Martinez, with Ajax defender keen for Erik ten Hag reunion amid rival Arsenal interest 

Manchester United have made an opening offer of £39million for Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez, talkSPORT understands. It has been claimed the Argentine ended his post-season holiday early to return to Ajax and tell them he wants to move to the Premier League, with Arsenal also interested. getty Martinez and Ten Hag worked together at Ajax However, it is believed the 24-year-old is keen to reunited with his former manager Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford. Arsenal have already made two offers for Martinez and are awaiting a response from the Dutch club after tabling a second bid worth £35m. The defender has made more than 100 appearances for Eredivise champions Ajax, showing his versatility by playing in four different positions since joining them from Defensa y Justicia in 2019. He predominantly played as a centre-back last season despite being just 5ft 9in, but can also play at left-back, right-back, and as a defensive midfielder. New United boss Ten Hag worked with him during his time in the Netherlands and is one of the many Ajax stars linked with a move to join him in Manchester. The pair have won back-to-back titles together and the Dutch boss is said to be a big admirer. 

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