Manchester United are yet to confirm any arrivals this summer but several deals are close to being wrapped up, with Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia poised to become the first signing of the transfer window.
It’s believed that the 22-year-old underwent the first part of his medical on Monday and according to reports, he will be confirmed as Erik ten Hag’s maiden signing on Monday.
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is also a prime target. Ten Hag is keen to reunite with the Dutchman but although talks are progressing with the Catalan club, a deal is taking longer than expected.
Lisandro Martinez, the Ajax centre-back, has emerged as Ten Hag’s number one priority to strengthen the defence. Earlier this week, it was suggested that United were the favourites to land the Argentinian but Arsenal are also interested and have already had a bid rejected.
Now, Dutch football expert and De Telegraaf journalist Marcel van der Kraan has given an update on the situation, confirming that there will be ‘crucial talks’ in the next 48 hours.
👏 "The fact Martinez hasn't said anything is a very clever thing!"
👀 "Is it going to be Arsenal or Man Utd?" @markgoldbridge gets an update on the future of Lisandro Martinez from Dutch football expert Marcel van der Kraan 🔥 pic.twitter.com/hXyUiTiMHc
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) July 3, 2022
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“We do understand that in the next 48 hours, there could be some crucial talks,” Van der Kraan told talkSPORT, as seen above. “He needs to sit down, needs to clarify his future with his agent as well. What does he want?
“What happens if United does not offer enough and Arsenal do? Or what if Arsenal pull out of the race – is he really happy to go there?
“Initially, he thought he was going to Arsenal because Man United had not been involved in the bidding process.”
At face value, United’s pursuit of Martinez resembles the one which saw them steal Malacia from under Olympique Lyon’s nose. Little groundwork has done on a club-to-club level but once Arsenal advanced with their interest, United lodged their first bid.
Having failed with an attempt to sign Jurrien Timber early in the window, it now remains to be seen whether United will push hard enough to sign Martinez, who can play as a centre-back, left-back and defensive midfielder.
