Lisandro Martinez is a versatile player who is high up on the shopping lists of multiple Premier League clubs. The Argentine international primarily plays as a left-sided centre-back but is also capable of playing as a left-back and in defensive midfield.
Arsenal and Manchester United have both expressed interest in the defender because of his versatility. The North London club has seen an earlier bid rejected for the player by Ajax. As a result, United are hopeful of swooping in and securing a deal for the player.
Ajax hopes to profit from a bidding war for Lisandro Martinez
Arsenal have reportedly submitted another bid for the player in the region of €40 million-plus and a further €5 million in add-ons. Manchester United have also made an offer in the same region sparking a tussle for the player with Arsenal.
Ajax have maintained that they do not intend to sell Lisandro Martinez. However, it seems they are hopeful that the bidding war will help drive up the price of the player. Ajax have not responded to the latest bids yet and seems to be playing the waiting game with the English giants.
The Argentine has reportedly informed Ajax that he wishes to switch to England. The defender sees it as a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity and wants the club to accept a suitable offer. He is not pushing for a move yet but has expressed his wish to make the switch.
Arsenal or Manchester United: What is the ideal destination?
Manchester United are in the pole position to land the defender due to the relationship between Lisandro Martinez and Erik Ten Hag. The duo worked for three years in Amsterdam representing Ajax. However, a move to Arsenal cannot be ruled out. Arsenal are a lucrative project for the player and he is excited to work with Mikel Arteta.
Both clubs afford a different type of challenge to the player. Manchester United looks at Martinez as a different kind of centre-back to the available options and as a possible defensive midfielder. On the other hand, Arsenal are looking at Martinez primarily as a left-back to add depth in the squad.
The decision for the player will likely be based on his preferred position and the choice of project. However, since Martinez has played primarily as a centre-back for the majority of his career, United can be considered the favorites at this stage.
Arsenal and Manchester United are both hopefuls of agreeing on a deal with Ajax for the Argentine international. Lisandro Martinez is on a vacation as of now and is expected to make a decision on his future soon after a deal is agreed upon between the clubs in the coming weeks.
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