Manchester United are on the verge of reaching an agreement with Ajax for defender Lisandro Martínez.
Sky Sports News understands that the payments structure of the deal is being discussed, and the defender wants to join Erik Ten Hag’s team this summer.
United have previously stated that they will not overpay for the Ajax player. Sky Sports News revealed earlier this month that Martinez had informed Dutch club Ajax of his desire to move to the Premier League.
Arsenal were also interested in the Argentine international and, although the Gunners’ style of play, along with the possibility of playing with Mikel Arteta, attracted Martínez, it seems that he selected Old Trafford.
Martinez offers brain, strength and versatility
Sky Sports features writer Nick Wright:
“Last season, Martinez averaged more passes every 90 minutes than any other Eredivisie player, while only two players directed more passes every 90 minutes.
“These numbers underscore Martinez’s ability to play through opposition lines, but he is also able to change the game and pick his teammates over longer distances. At Ajax last season, no player had a average of more successful long passes every 90 minutes.
“Voted Ajax player of the year for his role in winning the Eredivisie title last season, Martinez is just 5 feet and 9 inches tall, making him small for a center-back.
“Last season at Ajax, he made more head shots (29) than any other player and won 79 of his 112 aerial duels, giving him a 71% success rate and placing him in second only behind Harry Maguire between the current Manchester United and Arsenal.
“Martinez can expect to face more demanding rivals in the Premier League, of course, but a solid reading of the game also helps him. He is known for anticipating strikers’ races and positioning himself intelligently to make tackles and interceptions.
“These qualities, along with his versatility and technical skill, make him even more attractive to Premier League contenders.”
Comfortable Man Utd in De Jong | Eriksen is making positive progress
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Sky Sports News journalist Dharmesh Sheth offers the latest updates on the Manchester United activities of Frenkie de Jong, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez and Antony, while revealing more about the future of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Manchester United remain comfortable in their position on a possible deal with Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, while the signing of Christian Eriksen is “progressing positively”.
United have a “broad agreement” with Barcelona on the fee, which is believed to be 65 million euros (56 million pounds) plus performance-related supplements.
CEO Richard Arnold and football director John Murtough are continuing talks with Barça officials about the transfer, but the agreement is problematic because De Jong has pushed back salary issues. He is believed to be owed £ 17 million after receiving a pay cut during the pandemic.
United continue to insist that visiting striker Cristiano Ronaldo is not for sale.
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