Arsenal Face Competition for Ajax Star As Manchester United Match Bid

According to Charles Watts of GOAL, Manchester United have matched Arsenal's bid for Ajax star Lisandro Martinez.

Arsenal's latest offer for Martinez was worth around €35m plus a further €5m in add-ons.

Manchester United have tabled a bid which is believed to be in the same region.

Ajax are yet to respond to either bid, as they maintain their stance and are keen to keep the player.

There is a feeling among Martinez's party that Ajax want to delay to attract a bidding war.

Watts' report further adds that the player is following the events closely and is relaxed, but wants a move to England.

The Argentine is expected to start pushing if nothing changes soon.

It is believed by those close to the player the attraction of former manager Erik Ten Hag could give Manchester United the edge.

However, the defender would be open to a move to Arsenal also and is a big admirer of Mikel Arteta's ideas.

Arsenal's interest has been widely reported in the last few weeks but have not a found a breakthrough with Ajax.

The Gunners' most recent bid was their third, with the first rejected and second not directly responded to.

Arteta wants to add quality and flexibility to his squad this Summer.

Martinez is an extremely versatile player.

He is naturally a left centre-back but is more than capable in left-back and defensive-midfield.

With the recurring injuries of Kieran Tierney and Thomas Partey, Arsenal need more cover in both positions ideally.

Nuno Tavares could leave on loan this Summer but this is dependant on if Arsenal can indeed bring in cover.

Arsenal have already signed Marquinhos, Fabio Vieira and Matt Turner this Summer.

They are also expected to announce the signing of striker Gabriel Jesus imminently.

Should they miss out on Martinez, it is not clear who they will target as a second option but it is clear Arsenal are far from finished in the market.