Manchester United's transfer saga for Lisandro Martinez is set to develop over the next 24 to 48 hours, as the Reds look to beat Arsenal to the Ajax defender's signing.
United’s transfer window may have started slowly but things seem to be heating up of late, with deals agreed in principle for Frenkie de Jong and Tyrell Malacia.
Lisandro Martinez seems to be the next target and according to reports from Marcel van der Kraan of De Telegraaf the deal could make big developments in the next 24 or 48 hours.
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He says, via De Telegraaf and translated by Sport Witness, that Martinez will have his hopes pinned on United as they are an absolute top club for him.
He also says Martinez is very high on Erik ten Hag’s wish list for new signings and that Ajax will be holding out for around €45-50 million.
As well, it has been reported by Melissa Reddy of Sky Sports that Erik ten Hag would like the bulk of Manchester United’s transfers to be done before the squad flies out for their pre-season tour on 8 July.
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The Argentine defender seemed to be closer to a move to Arsenal.
The Gunners reportedly had a bid in the region of £26 million rejected before increasing their offer to £34.6 million in recent days.
It now looks like United could beat Arsenal to the signing.
It was reported by TalkSPORT’s Alex Crook on Tuesday that United were preparing a £40 million bid for Martinez.
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Martinez was signed from the Argentine Primera Division in 2019 and has since become an integral part of Ajax’s success under Ten Hag, picking up Ajax’s player of the season award for the 2021/22 season.
Martinez has mostly featured as a centre-back for Ajax but he is more than comfortable stepping into defensive midfield, where some suggest he could play predominately for Manchester United.
Martinez is a solid defender, recording 6.6 defensive duels per 90 and 10.5 defensive actions in the Eredivisie.
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Fans may be worried about his lack of height for a defensive player as he stands at 5’9 but he has proven he is comfortable competing in the air, averaging six aerial duels per 90 with a 67% success rate.
Where Martinez really shines is when in possession and he boasts some of the best progressive passing in the league.
He averages 13.43 progressive passes into the final third per 90, and 14.34 progressive passes per 90. This places him second in Holland, only behind teammate Daley Blind.
These assets could make Martinez a great midfield partner for Frenkie de Jong who is set to sign for United in the coming days.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers, Erik Ten Hag, Lisandro Martinez, Ajax, Arsenal, Premier League, Football