Ajax are bracing for new offers from Manchester United and Arsenal for Lisandro Martinez with both sides entering a bidding war… as the Dutch outfit hold out for £43m for the wantaway defender
- Manchester United and Arsenal are expected to bid again for Lisandro Martinez
- Both clubs previously were unsuccessful with offers of £38m for the Ajax star
- The defender wants to leave but Ajax are demanding around £43m for him
Ajax are expecting new offers from Manchester United and Arsenal for centre-back Lisandro Martinez.
The Dutch club want £43million for their Argentine centre back with Arsenal and United now battling for his signature and both sides looking to wrap up the transfer as they prepare to embark on pre-season tours.
Ajax directors Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Gerry Hamstra were in London at the weekend to discuss the deal with United – who matched Arsenal’s £38m bid but offered a structure that guaranteed them more cash.
Martinez had a strong rapport with Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag in his time at Ajax
United boss Erik ten Hag (L) and Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta (R) are both keen on the defender
The Argentine has asked to leave the Eredivisie club and is keen to try his luck in the Premier League.
While respectful of what Ajax have done for him, he does not wish to let the opportunity of a move to the Premier League pass and staying in Amsterdam next season is not an option for him.
He has told the club that reaching an agreement soon, with either United or Arsenal, will be the most beneficial solution for all parties.
Arsenal have had two offers rejected with their last, coming in at £34m plus add-ons up to £38m.
Ten Hag also remains interested in signing his former Ajax winger Antony this summer
He has already made his first signing as United boss, bringing in Feyenoord’s Tyrell Malacia
United countered with a £35.3m plus guaranteed add-ons to £38m but have the added pull of coach Erik ten Hag, who struck up a strong rapport with Lisandro during his tenure with the Dutch champions.
The Red Devils have already snapped up a player from the Dutch league – left-back Tyrell Malacia, who joined in a £13m deal from Feyenoord.
Ten Hag is also chasing another player from the Eredivisie and his former club Ajax – with forward Antony a target for his United revolution.
Sportsmail reported last week how Ten Hag rates the winger highly having worked with him for two seasons and he is eager to bring him to Old Trafford.
However, United feel that it will be difficult to do a deal as Ajax’s valuation of £70m is seen as too expensive.
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