Manchester United raised their Lisandro Martinez to £ 43 million to beat Arsenal in their signing, with Ajax considering the offer close to their valuation as Erik ten Hag seeks to reunite with his defensive “butcher.”
- Man United have submitted an improved £ 43million bid for Lisandro Martinez
- Erik ten Hag hopes to tempt his old Ajax by getting his asking price
- Defender Martinez wants to leave amidst the interest of both United and Arsenal
From Simon Jones for MailOnline
Posted: 09:44, 8 July 2022 | Updated: 11:17, July 8, 2022
Manchester United have made an improved £ 43million bid for Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez in an attempt to beat Arsenal until his signing.
The new offer is £ 5 million more than its last proposal and is close to Ajax’s valuation.
The Ajax board will consider the offer today given that the 24-year-old has already asked to be allowed to make his dream move to the Premier League.
Ajax had already prepared for new offers after United and Arsenal offered around £ 38.5m for the Argentine, although the Eredivisie club held out longer after the brilliant Martinez season.
Manchester United and Erik ten Hag (L) are hoping to secure Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez (R) after launching a £ 43million bid.
He started 23 times in the league with Ten Hag to help them win the title and played 37 games in total – he scored once and even gave up three assists.
Last week, Ajax directors Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Gerry Hamstra were in London to discuss the original deal with United, which matched Arsenal’s £ 38 million offer but went offer a structure that guarantees them more cash.
But now United have given in to Ajax’s demands and made more money as they seek to close the deal and convince him to move to Old Trafford instead of the Emirates as they prepare to embark on a pre-season tour of Korea. .
Martinez – affectionately known by fans as ‘The Argentine Butcher’ for his tenacity with the ball and in the air – has asked to leave the Eredivisie club and is eager to try his luck in the Premier League.
Ten Hag knows Martinez well after working with him the last three seasons at Ajax
LISANDRO MARTINEZ – ‘THE ARGENTINE BUTCHER’
Born in the Argentine city of Gualeguay, Martinez began playing in Newell’s Old Boys, the iconic ensemble where Lionel Messi rose to fame.
He grew up idolizing his compatriot Gabriel Heinze, who played for Manchester United, the club that pursues his signature.
Martinez began to attract the attention of clubs across Europe for his confidence and ability as a center-left defender.
Ajax quickly began to raise their heads after it began to impress the new club Defensa y Justicia.
For three years at the club, he has forged a reputation for his fearsome displays and his tenacity to win the ball in the air and on the ground, earning him the nickname “The Argentine Butcher”.
“In Argentina I never hear that nickname,” he admitted last year when asked about the nickname given to him. “But I know the fans here call me that. I like it and I see it as a compliment.
“I never give up and I always go into battle full of struggle. That’s me.
Despite being respectful of what Ajax has done for him, he does not want to miss the opportunity to move to the Premier League and stay in Amsterdam next season is not an option for him.
He told the club that reaching an agreement soon, with United or Arsenal, will be the most beneficial solution for all parties.
Arsenal have received two offers with the latest, amounting to £ 34 million and additions of up to £ 38 million.
United countered with £ 35.3m and guaranteed add-ons up to £ 38m, but have the added attraction of coach Erik ten Hag, who established a strong relationship with Lisandro during his tenure with the champions. Dutch.
Martinez began his career in his native Argentina, playing at the youth level at Newell’s Old Boys before joining Defensa y Justicia.
It was here that his quality began to shine, as his performances sparked interest from Europe, including Ajax, which bought him for just £ 6 million in 2019.
Martinez is known as ‘The Argentine Butcher’ for his tenacity in the tack and in the air.
Ten Hag has already made his first signing for United, with Tyrell Malacia of Feyenoord.
Since joining the Dutch giants, he has won two Eredivisie and Dutch Cup titles, with Ajax now in line to benefit significantly from the player who replaced Ligt’s Mathijis after his move to the Juventus the same year.
He has played a total of 120 games under the watchful eye of Ten Hag, who once hailed him as an “excellent” defender who is versatile to be able to play in many positions at the bottom line and also in midfield. .
The Red Devils have already hired a Dutch league player: left-back Tyrell Malacia, who joined on a £ 13m contract with Feyenoord.
Ten Hag is also chasing another Eredivisie player and his former club Ajax, with striker Antony as the target of his revolution at United.
Sportsmail reported last week how Ten Hag values very positively the winger who has worked with him for two seasons and is looking forward to taking him to Old Trafford.
However, United believes it will be difficult to make a deal, as Ajax’s £ 70m valuation is considered too expensive.