Mikel Arteta 's concerted efforts to sign Lisandro Martinez from Ajax appear to have forced Erik ten Hag to pile the pressure on Manchester United 's board.
The Gunners have already completed four signings this summer, including swooping for top transfer target Gabriel Jesus, but Arteta has by no means finished moulding his squad ahead of a renewed Champions League push next campaign. Having bolstered his attack by bringing in the Brazilian striker, the Arsenal boss now appears to be turning his attentions to other key areas in need of improvement.
With the Gunners' defence and midfield in need of reinforcements, the Spaniard is keen to acquire versatile Ajax ace Martinez - a player capable of covering in both areas. And Arteta's avid pursuit of the Argentine has forced Premier League rivals United into action.
The north Londoners are understood to have made three attempts to sign Martinez to date, prompting the Red Devils to reply with an offer of their own. Over the weekend, United tabled a package worth £39.6million to Ajax in response to having seen the Gunners submit their latest bid of £34m.
Arteta's relentless pursuit of Martinez has also forced United manager Ten Hag to tweak his approach to this summer's transfer window. Out of fear of missing out on the 24-year-old to United's Premier League rivals, the Dutchman is thought to have made Martinez his priority, with the club's board now pushing to conclude a deal.
According to the Telegraph, the Ajax star is United's main focus at present. The Red Devils are understood to be intrigued by the prospect of signing the centre-back's team-mate Antony, however, securing Martinez remains a more pressing matter at Old Trafford.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Which club needs Lisandro Martinez more and why: Arsenal or Manchester United ? Comment below
While Antony himself eager to move to Manchester, and is said to fear being priced out of a transfer as a result of Ajax's extortionate £70m asking price, United are thought to have reservations over whether a deal will be possible. There appears to be no such concern over Martinez however, as talks continue to progress.
As revealed by Mirror Football last week, the Argentina international has also informed the Eredivisie champions of his desire to play in the Premier League next season. The centre-back, who can also be deployed on the left of defence and in midfield, has since reiterated that aim as Ajax continue to stand their ground and make a transfer toilsome.
The Amsterdam-based outfit are understood to be determined to avoid becoming the subject of a United raid this summer due to Ten Hag's ties. Martinez has made it clear to Ajax that he wants the chance to play in England and has asked them to quit holding up his dream.
The battle between Arsenal and United over Martinez is expected to come to the boil over the next week or so. Not only has Ten Hag told United's board to make the defender their priority, but it appears the 5ft 9in centre-back is also Arteta's top target now, too.
The Gunners moved to add Matt Turner, Marquinhos and Fabio Vieira to their squad, before finally concluding a deal to sign Jesus from Manchester City in a £45m deal earlier this week. Arteta is also understood to be keen on adding Leicester's Youri Tielemans to his midfield.
Meanwhile, United remain in talks with Barcelona over Frenkie de Jong. Free agent Christian Eriksen has also agreed to join United subject to an extensive medical.
