Arsenal are ready to up their offer for Lisandro Martinez to £38m as they look to beat Manchester United to the defender's signature.
The race for the Ajax centre-half has ramped up with the Red Devils top brass meeting the Dutch club's new director of football, former Holland striker Klass-Jan Huntelaar, who travelled to London on Saturday. United have offered a package worth £39.6m - £35.3m up front with a series of guaranteed add-ons handing the Dutch champions a further £4.3million.
The Gunners are ready to up their offer of £38m, claims the Daily Mail. Ajax value the Argentine at around £43m, but know of his desire to move to the Premier League. Martinez has remained coy on his future publicly out of respect to the Dutch giants, but believes a gentleman's agreement is in place that will allow him a move elsewhere. The 24-year-old moved to the Netherlands in 2019 but now wants the chance to pursue a new challenge.
United have long had an attraction for players, but their current state of affairs means they no longer have the pull they once did. Erik ten Hag has struggled to get new recruits in and is still awaiting the first signing of his tenure at Old Trafford.
Martinez's Ajax teammate Jurrien Timber has already knocked the club back and the Argentine now faces a decision on his future. Reuniting with his old boss will obviously have an attraction, but Sky Sports believe the player is torn between a switch to Manchester or north London.
Arsenal have already added several new faces and are closing in on the signing of Gabriel Jesus. They also want to bolster their backline, despite adding centre-halves in each of the last three summers. William Saliba will return from his loan spell away but their interest in Martinez remains.
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The player himself is attracted by the idea of working with Mikel Arteta, who narrowly missed out on delivering Champions League football last term. Martinez's value only increases given his versatility as he's able to play as a left-back as well as a defensive midfielder.
Martinez has already claimed two Dutch titles as well as a domestic cup during his time in Amsterdam. He was able to play a leading role as Ajax won all six of their Champions League group games this term, all whilst coming up against the likes of Erling Haaland. His efforts earned him the club's Player of the Year award.
At international level the 24-year-old was part of the Argentina squad that claimed the Copa America crown last term. He's won seven caps since receiving his first call-up back in 2019.
