Manchester United are said to be in ‘pole position’ to secure the signing of Lisandro Martinez, though the defender hasn’t ‘closed the door’ on interest from Arsenal.
United and Arsenal are chasing a deal for the Ajax defender, with the Gunners having already seen two bids already rejected as the Dutch champions hold out for a fee of £43m.
Erik ten Hag is also interested in bringing his former player to the Premier League and United are expected to make their move for Martinez over the weekend.
The Mail are reporting that working alongside Ten Hag could be a deciding factor for Martinez, who was named as Ajax’s Player of the Season after winning the Eredivisie title under the Dutchman’s management last season.
The 24-year-old also formed part of the Argentina squad that won the Copa America in 2021 and has earned seven caps since his international debut.
Martinez’s versatility in being to operate at centre-back, left-back and in midfield is understood to have attracted the Premier League duo and the defender remains open to both proposals.
United need to offload defenders before securing his signing however, with the likes of Eric Bailly and Phil Jones deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils are also working on deals for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong and Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia.
