Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez is being tipped to try to ‘force’ through his proposed move to Manchester United.
The Argentine is one of a whole host of Ajax players both past and present that have been linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer following the club’s appointment of Erik ten Hag from the Dutch champions.
Current Manchester United defender Harry Maguire came in for plenty of stick last season following a number of poor displays, while summer signing Raphael Varane endured an injury-hit season that restricted him to just 22 Premier League appearances last term.
The club are expected to listen to offers for Eric Bailly and Phil Jones this summer, with Martinez having emerged as the leading candidate to join United’s defensive department.
Arsenal have seen two bids rejected for the Argentina international, while United’s second bid of around £43 million is yet to have been responded to, with the Eredivisie winners hoping for an auction between the two Premier League sides.
Manchester United have still no full agreement with Ajax for Lisandro Martinez. New bid worth €50m, not enough yet – but talks will continue as Lisandro wants to try Premier League experience this summer. 🔴 #MUFC
Next days will be crucial to understand Ajax final position. pic.twitter.com/oXnKtwtxwK
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 10, 2022
However, according to the Mirror, Martinez has grown frustrated with his side and is ready to ‘force’ his way out of the Johan Cruyff Arena this summer if necessary, with his teammates believing he is ‘willing to go to war with his club’ by refusing to continue training in order to get a move.
Despite the interest from Arsenal and Ajax’s hopes for a bidding war between the two sides, Martinez is said to have his heart firmly set on a move to Manchester United and a reunion with Ten Hag.
While Martinez will become one of the shortest centre-backs in the Premier League should his move go through, Ten Hag clearly rates his defensive qualities as well as his ability on the ball. The 24-year-old won 79 aerial duels last season, and also topped the charts for total passes and pass accuracy in the Dutch top flight last season, finishing the season without a single error that led to a shot, let alone a goal.
Martinez also has the added option of being able to play in a number of different positions, having also lined up at left-back and in a defensive midfield role at times.
United are hopeful that a deal can be wrapped up quickly and that the player can join them on their Australian leg of their pre-season tour that will kick off with a fixture against Liverpool in Bangkok on Tuesday.
