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Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez has chosen to move to Manchester United ahead of Arsenal and the Red Devils have increased their offer to €50 million for the Argentine, according to reports.
Ajax defender Martinez, who was brought to the Dutch side by new United boss Erik ten Hag, reportedly wants to be reunited with his former boss.
As reported by Argentinian reporter Gastón Edul, it was a reunion with Ten Hag that sealed the deal for Martinez.
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“Lisandro Martinez chose to continue his career at Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United. Said Edul.”He [Ten Hag], was the coach who made him stronger as a player, and Lisandro took that into account [when making] his decision.”
During his time at Ajax so far, Martinez has made 120 competitive appearances for the Amsterdam based side. All of those appearances have come under Ten Hag.
However, the necessity for United to seal the deal was also stressed by Edul, with him remarking that, “Manchester [United] need to close the transfer with Ajax now.”
The following report on the evening of Thursday saw the reliable Mike Verweij reveal that Ten Hag's team have raised their offer for the player.
He said that United have submitted a bid of €50m, including bonuses, to Ajax.
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This was the price-point that the Eredivisie club asked for from the Reds, and you would think that this latest offer would be accepted.
If Martinez is to sign for United, it will mean that the Red Devils have successfully fought off interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal for the Argentina international’s services.
Arsenal’s interest in the centre-back reportedly saw the London side lodge a £34 million bid for the defender earlier on this window, but that offer was rejected by Ajax.
Martinez, a five-foot-nine centre-back by trade, has also shown great versatility throughout his career so far. The defender has also spent time playing as both a fullback, and as a defensive midfielder.
It will not only be his versatility that will impress United fans, but also his willingness to learn. When previously speaking to La Nacion, Martinez opened up on how he believes it is up to a player to learn how to adapt:
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”The club always gives you information” Said Martinez.” But you have to do extras yourself for a new position. I watch football all the time and I observe all players in all positions and look at how they move. I love the details about players.”
If Lisandro Martinez is Manchester United bound, he will be just the eighth Argentine player to play for the Manchester side, following in the footsteps of fellow defenders Marcos Rojo, and Gabriel Heinze just to name two.
Additionally, Martinez will not be United’s only defensive signing of the window.
It was confirmed earlier this week that Feyenoord defender Tyrell Malacia had joined United, completing a £14.6 million transfer on Tuesday.
The Dutch fullback’s new squad number was confirmed to be number 12 on Thursday.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers, Lisandro Martinez, Arsenal, Ajax, Erik Ten Hag, Football, Premier League