Man United are closing in on £46.5 million Lisandro Martinez deal as De Jong remains main priority
Manchester United is nearing a deal to sign Lisandro Martinez at £46.5 million ($55 million). Negotiations with Ajax are nearing completion, with a deal set to be reached to become Erik ten Hag’s second signing of the summer.
According to GOAL, United moved into first place for Martinez when Arsenal withdrew their proposal in the idea that the midfielder preferred a move to Old Trafford.
Ajax have previously rejected bids of roughly £40 million ($47 million). However, the Argentina international made it obvious that he wanted to return to the Premier League and work with Ten Hag, who was his manager at the Dutch champions.
How did Manchester United leapfrog Arsenal in the chase for Martinez?
United’s top executive, Richard Arnold, and football director, John Murtough, stayed behind as the club went off on a transfer business tour of Thailand and Australia last week.
They were in Barcelona this week to intensify talks for their primary target, Frenkie de Jong, with Martinez next on their list of priorities.
After seeing lower proposals from Arsenal rejected, 50 million would be enough to seal the sale.
The player’s resolve to work with Ten Hag has also been crucial.
What else will Manchester United do in terms of transfers?
Despite his apparent declaration that he wants to stay at Barcelona, United remain hopeful that De Jong is willing to move to Old Trafford.
The clubs have agreed on a base cost of £55 million ($65 million), but back pay difficulties are preventing a deal from being finalised.
Arnold and Murtough met with Catalan delegates this week in an attempt to find a solution, while Barcelona’s contract for Raphinha only intensifies their need to sell to obtain finances.
United remain optimistic. Christian Eriksen’s three-year contract will be completed in time for him to join the group in Australia.
Ten Hag has also stated the need for forward reinforcements, but United are £20 million ($24 million) shy of Ajax’s asking price for Antony, a Brazilian winger.