Arsenal are set for another meeting with Ajax over Lisandro Martinez, as they battle Manchester United for the signing.
The Athletic report that Arsenal are scheduled to meet Ajax next week as they attempt to sign Lisandro Martinez. Manchester United are also negotiating for the same player.
Both sides reportedly believe Martinez is happy to join them, so personal terms aren’t expected to be an issue. Martinez has informed Ajax he wants to leave for the Premier League this summer.
But Ajax are looking for €50m, and neither Arsenal nor United are offering that fee yet. Reports suggest both clubs have offered around €40m with €5m in add-ons.
United have the advantage of Erik ten Hag, Martinez’s former manager. If both clubs agree a deal, it’s very possible Martinez will opt for a reunion with his old boss.
But an interesting element to the deal is that the two clubs view Martinez as a potential addition in different positions.
United are looking to bring Martinez in as a centre-back, whilst Arsenal are reportedly particularly interested in him as a left-back.
The player has played both roles in the past, so it may come down to which option he’s more interested in pursuing.
Sam Dean reports that Manchester United have indeed stepped up their interest, and whilst the ten Hag connection could be pivotal, Arsenal aren’t out of the race yet.
The next week looks like it will give us a much clearer picture of what’s next for the player.
