Manchester United have tabled a new bid for Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez as confidence grows in northwest England that they will be able to beat Arsenal to the Ajax man’s signature this summer.
Ajax are under no pressure to sell the defender, having already recouped 50m euros for Ryan Gravenberch and Sebastien Haller this summer, but will not stand in Martinez’s way should an acceptable bid be made, with their valuation of the player thought to be 50m euros.
The player, for his part, will look to push through a move, and will certainly have been helped by the fact that the latest offering from the Red Devils would total 50m euros should all bonuses be activated, matching Ajax’s price tag.
?? NIEUWS #Ajax ontvangt verhoogd bod van Manchester United op @LisandrMartinez: 50 miljoen euro, inclusief bonussen.
??????? BREAKING #Ajax receives increased bid from Manchester United for @LisandrMartinez: 50 million euros, including bonuses. #MUFC https://t.co/g5KvWK7Hdv— Mike Verweij (@MikeVerweij) July 7, 2022
Of course, said bid could still be rejected, as Ajax may deem some of the add ons unrealistic, as Liverpool did in Bayern Munich’s second bid for Sadio Mane.
Manchester United with the upper hand?
It is believed that Erik ten Hag’s former pupil favours a move to Manchester United over Arsenal, who themselves have had three bids knocked back for the defender.
While it is far from a done deal, it seems for now as though the Red Devils are in the driving seat to get their man, and consign the Gunners to a second near-miss of the transfer window after Raphinha also seemingly slipped through their hands.
Manchester United are planning to push again for Lisandro Martínez, ten Hag considers him priority target. No intention to give up after opening bid turned down. ? #MUFC
Lisandro, always been ‘tempted’ by reunion with ten Hag – but he never refused Arsenal, still in the race. pic.twitter.com/V3Jtv9n03X
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 7, 2022
