Manchester United Are Favourites And In Advanced Negotiations For Ajax's Lisandro Martinez

Manchester United are in advanced negotiations for Ajax's Lisandro Martinez and are favourites to sign the player ahead of Arsenal, according to reports.

The Argentine has been established as one of the more concrete targets that United are pursuing this window among the innumerable Ajax players they've been linked to over the past few months.

While it was earlier mentioned that United would look to reinforce their attack once deals for Frenkie de Jong and Tyrell Malacia were in place, they reportedly shifted their attention to Lisandro Martínez a while ago, and were said to be preparing a £40m bid for the player.

It was also suggested yesterday that developments around the player and Manchester United were to be expected in the next 24-48 hours.

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Simon Jones of Mail Sport also mentioned that United were expected to make a major push for the player over the weekend.

Also mentioning that the sway of Erik ten Hag would massively influence how the pursuit shaped up, amid competition from Arsenal.

And it seems like that's exactly what has happened.

The reliable David Ornstein of The Athletic reports that United are in advanced negotiations with Ajax for signing the player - and he is said to be keen on a reunion with Erik ten Hag.

On top of the fact that United are trying to reach an agreement with Ajax for the player, Ornstein crucially mentions that it is believed that United have established themselves as favourites to sign the player, amid serious competition from Arsenal.

All this would add up with the reports earlier in the day by Rob Dawson of ESPN, where it's mentioned that United had held positive talks with Ajax over the signing of Martínez.

He also mentions that Ajax's asking price for the player is £43m, but that they've indicated that they maybe willing to compromise over that fee.

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That, in turn would bring Alex Crook's report into the picture, where he mentions that a fee of £41m is what United need to offer to wrap up a deal for the player.

By this point, it's quite clear Lisandro Martínez is United's next major target for the window, and if the latest reliable reports are anything to go by, that pursuit seems to be heading in a very positive direction.

After confirmation from Fabrizio Romano that Malacia's deal to United is done, supporters will hope for these developments on additional signings to progress quickly.

United began their pre-season camp at the beginning of this week.

On 8 July they will jet off on their tour, where they will face six teams in preparation for next season's Premier League.

Their first game, on 12 July, is against arch rivals Liverpool.