Manchester United Preparing £40 Million Bid For Arsenal Target Lisandro Martinez

Manchester United are preparing a £40 million bid for Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez, as Erik Ten Hag looks to begin his rebuild at Old Trafford. 

As reported by TalkSPORT's Alex Crook, Ten Hag is a huge admirer of the Argentine international, having previously coached him during his time as Ajax manager. 

Since his signing from the Argentine Primera Division in 2019, Martinez has featured 74 times under Ten Hag at Ajax, winning the Rinus Michels Award, Ajax’s player of the season, in the 2021/22 season. 

Lisandro Martinez for Ajax (Alamy)

In bidding for Martinez, United will enter a battle with Arsenal, who have been linked to the player throughout the summer. 

On June 17th it was reported that Arsenal had a bid in the region of £26 million rejected, before upping their offer to £34.6 million in recent days. 

Arsenal manager Mikael Arteta is reportedly keen to add Martinez to his squad to add cover in the left centre-back, left back, and central midfield positions. 

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (Alamy)

All these positions are amongst those that Ten Hag is looking to improve.

While the impending signing of Tyrell Malacia strengthens the left; the defensive midfield and centre back positions were two of the most heavily criticised positions for United in their abysmal 2021/22 campaign. 

Erik ten Hag and Lisandro Martinez at Ajax (Alamy)

Whilst predominantly a centre back, Martinez has featured as a centre midfielder and a left back in his career, with it being rumoured that Ten Hag would look to utilise him in United’s midfield. 

Looking at the stats, it’s clear to see why Ten Hag is keen to poach his former player from under Arsenal’s nose.

Martinez records 6.6 defensive duels per 90, and 10.5 successful defensive actions per 90, putting him at above average for the Eredivisie.

Furthermore, despite not being the tallest – standing at 5’9 – he is more than competent in the air, with an average of six aerial duals per 90, and a success rate of 67%. 

Additionally, Martinez has some of the best progressive passing stats in the league, with 13.43 progressive passes into the final third per 90, and 14.34 progressive passes per 90.

That is second in Holland behind only former Manchester United man Daley Blind, along with 81.51% of his forward passes accurate, and 64.96% of his long passes accurate.

He would offer an impressive on-ball presence, which will also be boosted with Frenkie de Jong set to be in United's midfield.

United will now wait patiently to hear Ajax’s response as Erik Ten Hag looks to kickstart Manchester United's transfer window.