Soccer

Manchester United hold talks with Ajax for Lisandro Martínez

Manchester United look set to beat Arsenal in the race to sign Ajax and Argentina defender Lisandro Martínez.

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Manchester United executives are in Amsterdam to meet with Ajax to secure the signing of Lisandro Martínez. According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, personal terms with the Argentinian centre-back have already been agreed.

United had a bid of €50m bid including add-ons rejected last week but the Dutch champions are now open to selling. A deal for Martínez would see him become United’s second signing of the summer after the arrival of left-back Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord.

Arsenal interested

Arsenal had also been negotiating with Ajax for the 24-year-old. Both English sides were convinced the player was happy with a move to the Premier League and had not expected personal terms to be an issue.

Martínez is said to have told his current club that the only option he would consider this summer is a move to England. His main role is in central defence but the Argentina international can also operate as a left-back and as a defensive midfielder.

United appealed to him more than Arsenal, according to reports, with a role at centre-back under former manager Erik ten Hag more appealing.

United’s summer signings

Left-back Tyrell Malacia has joined United from Feyenoord, becoming the first new face in the door under Ten Hag.

Frenkie de Jong has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford. The Dutch midfielder wants to stay at Barça and has a contract at the club until 2026. He previously played under Ten Hag at Ajax, and United have travelled to Barcelona in recent days to move closer to his signature.

Christian Eriksen is set to join the club this summer. The 30-year-old had an impressive spell with Brentford in 2021-22 and is set to complete his move to Old Trafford over the coming days. He is expected to sign for Ten Hag’s side until 2025.

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