Manchester United have agreed personal terms with Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez.
In a tweet posted by transfer specialist, Fabrizio Romano, it has been reported that United chiefs met with Ajax today to seal a deal for the 24-year-old. A bid worth €50 million, including add-ons, was rejected a week ago.
It was reported earlier today that United had submitted a final bid for Martinez worth £46 million.
Martinez has been attracting interest from Arsenal this summer, but we’ve always fancied ourselves as favourites to secure his signature, especially with Erik ten Hag now in charge at Old Trafford.
The pair won the Eredivisie title together last season and it’s not like Mikael Arteta is pulling up trees at the Emirates.
Listen to the latest episode of the Strettycast
According to Romano, personal terms have been agreed between United and Martinez, with Ajax open to selling the player.
The Italian journalist tweeted: “Excl: Manchester United executives, in Amsterdam to meet with Ajax and so trying to seal Lisandro Martinez deal. Personal terms agreed with Argentinian centre back. Manchester United had €50m bid [add-ons included] rejected last week, but Ajax are now open to sell.”
This would suggest we should see real progress on the Martinez front in the coming hours or days. He will join a squad that consists of six senior centre-backs and some are expected to make way for the Argentina international.
Axel Tuanzebe, Phil Jones and Eric Bailly should be looking for new clubs.
Meanwhile, Ten Hag will be wary about becoming reliant on Raphael Varane, who has struggled with injuries since he joined United a year ago.