Arsenal have submitted a £35million bid for Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez.
The Gunners made clear their interest in the Argentina international last week and have followed that up by submitting a formal offer for the 24-year-old. That could spark Manchester United into entering the race for Martinez, after failing in their efforts to land his team-mate Jurrien Timber.
New United boss Erik ten Hag made central-back Timber his No.1 defensive target, but the Dutch international was advised not to make the move by Holland coach and former Old Trafford boss Louis van Gaal. Timber took on board van Gaal's advice and decided a move to United, with the World Cup less than six months away, was too much of a risk at this stage of his career.
That saw ten Hag and United switch their attention to Martinez, who was a regular under the newly-appointed Old Trafford coach.
But Arsenal are ahead of United in the battle for Martinez's signature, with the Gunners hopeful their offer will be accepted by Dutch champions Ajax.
United, whose first group of players returned for pre-season training on Monday, have yet to make any signings this summer. Having lost five established first-team players in Paul Pogba, Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard, Nemanja Matic and Edinson Cavani, United are under huge pressure to strengthen their squad.
United are closing in on the £68m capture of another former Ajax midfielder, Frenkie De Jong, from Barcelona, with £50m up front plus £18m in add-ond the likely way the deal will be structured.
United fans are becoming increasingly frustrated with their club's lack of activity in the transfer market, with their rivals, including Manchester City and Liverpool, both having strengthened with new signings.
