Man Utd set to focus on top Arsenal target as they close in on double deal

Joe Williams
Man Utd target Lisandro Martinez puts his hands on his hips

Man Utd will turn their attention to Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez as they close in on two top targets, according to reports.

It had appeared that the Red Devils were struggling to get targets over the line so far this summer as they look to give Erik ten Hag the tools to impress next season.

But yesterday Sky Sports reported that Man Utd have now reached a ‘broad agreement’ with Barcelona over the potential signing of Frenkie de Jong.


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Before further good news broke hours later as it emerged they are ‘trying to hijack’ Tyrell Malacia’s move from Feyenoord to Lyon with the Dutch club’s director Frank Arnesen described a transfer to Man Utd as “imminent”.

And with those two signings almost wrapped up, The Times claims that they will now focus their attention on Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez, who has played under Ten Hag over the last two seasons.

It is understood that Man Utd will now ‘turn their attention’ to Martinez – who has seven caps for Argentina – ‘as they step up their attempts to add new faces’ to Ten Hag’s squad.

On a potential deal for Martinez, The Times add:

‘United are set to push on with their pursuit of Martínez after Malacia signs. Arsenal have offered £34 million for the Argentina centre back, which is £9 million short of Ajax’s valuation of the 24-year-old.

‘United have asked Ajax to keep them updated as to the situation with Martínez as they discuss how much to offer for the left-footed defender.’

Dutch journalist Marcel van der Kraan recently claimed that Man Utd are in an “awkward position” with Ajax not needing to sell their prized assets this summer.

He told Sky Sports: “Martinez has two offers from England, one is from Arsenal and one is from Manchester United. But, when I say offer, there’s been an offer to the club to talk, there’s been offer to his agent to discuss things.

“And there is not an absolute concrete money offer on the table yet but that could soon happen. Then again he’s an expensive one because Ajax are demanding £45m- £50m for this player.

“Why is this? Ajax have no need to sell any more players. They have the money, they are financially ok and they have said: look, if anybody comes in for Martinez, or Antony for instance – who is worth £80m in the eyes of Ajax – the prices they are asking are absolutely huge because they have no need to sell.

“And they know Man United, like many clubs in Europe at this moment, need players, so it’s a very awkward position Manchester United are in at this moment.”