Manchester United have joined the race to sign Ajax defender and Arsenal target Lisandro Martinez if recent reports are to be believed.
The Gunners are keen to sign a left-centre back in the summer transfer window as manager Mikel Arteta looks to provide first-choice Gabriel Magalhaes with competition next term. Argentine international Martinez, who can also play left-back and holding midfield, is said to be one of the north Londoners' key targets with The Athletic reporting that Arsenal have already seen a bid in the region of €30 million (£25 million) rejected by Ajax.
The same report claims that the 24-year-old is keen to join Arteta's side but according to Dutch outlet Telegraaf, Manchester United have now joined the race for the tough-tackling defender. It is reported that the Red Devils have switched their attention to Martinez after failing to sign his teammate Jurrien Timber.
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United's new boss Erik ten Hag knows the player well, having worked with him at the Johan Cruyff Arena over the last three years and the Dutchman has made it no secret of his admiration for the former Newell's Old Boys' star. “I find Lisandro Martinez an excellent player, he is actually starting material and this is why I talk with him a lot," ten Hag said last year.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are set to announce Portuguese playmaker Fabio Vieira as their third signing of the summer in the coming days, football.london understands after agreeing a £34million deal with Porto on Thursday afternoon. The 22-year-old enjoyed an excellent 2021/22 campaign, netting seven goals and providing a further 16 assists across all competitions.
