Manchester United are reportedly preparing a move for Ajax centre-back Lisandro Martinez, as they look to beat Arsenal to the signing of the Argentina international.
The Red Devils have been strongly linked with Martinez's teammate Jurrien Timber, but the Netherlands international has allegedly made the decision to stay with his Amsterdam club.
As a result, The Mirror reports that Man United have now turned their attention to Martinez, with the centre-back also impressing at club level during the 2021-22 campaign.
Arsenal are also believed to be interested in the South American, with the Gunners allegedly having a €30m (£25.7m) bid turned down.
Man United will now allegedly look to beat the Gunners to Martinez's signature, as new Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag looks to boost his defence for the 2022-23 campaign.
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Martinez enjoyed a strong 2021-22 season for his Dutch club, making 37 appearances in all competitions, contributing one goal and four assists in the process.
The defender still has more than three years left to run on his contract in Amsterdam, but Ajax are believed to be open to selling him for the right price this summer, particularly if Timber remains at the club.
Martinez has won two Eredivisie titles and one Dutch Cup during his time at Ajax, making 118 appearances for the club since arriving from Defensa y Justica in 2019.
Despite struggling for form during the 2021-22 campaign, Harry Maguire is expected to remain with Man United this summer, even if he loses the captain's armband for next term.
Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof are also set to stay at Old Trafford, but Eric Bailly, Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe could potentially be on their way out of the club this summer.
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Man United are believed to have a transfer budget of around £130m this summer, although the total could be boosted by the sales of Anthony Martial and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
The bulk of the budget could be spent on Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, though, with the Red Devils locked in negotiations with the Catalan outfit over the Dutchman.
Ten Hag is also said to be prioritising the arrival of Christian Eriksen, with the playmaker unlikely to sign a new contract at Brentford.
The 20-time English champions are due back in pre-season training later this month, while they will play their first friendly of the summer against Liverpool on July 12.
Man United will then begin their 2022-23 Premier League campaign at home to Brighton & Hove Albion on August 7 before travelling to Brentford in their second match of the season.
Matt Law
