Arsenal prepare to raise bid for Manchester United target | OneFootball

Arsenal are ready to raise their £38m bid for Lisandro Martinez, as they’re joined by Manchester United in the race for the signing.

PAMPLONA, SPAIN: Lisandro Martinez of Argentina looks on during the international friendly match between Argentina and Estonia at Estadio El Sadar on June 05, 2022. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

The Daily Mail report that Arsenal are ready to raise their £38m offer for Lisandro Martinez as they face strong competition from Manchester United.

Arsenal had already bid £38m when United swooped to offer the same amount – with a higher guaranteed fee upfront. That and the fact that former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag is now managing United gives them the edge as it stands.

But the Gunners aren’t out of the race, and they’re planning to make a new offer for the defender. Ajax value Martinez at £43m.

Martinez is keen to leave Ajax for the Premier League, and he believes he agreed when he last extended his contract that Ajax would let him go, as long as they received a substantial offer from a big club.

Martinez is back in the Netherlands as of today, and Fabrizio Romano reports that both Arsenal and United are fighting for the signing.

Charles Watts claims Martinez is open to a move to Arsenal as well as United, though neither club have agreed a fee with Ajax yet.

The Athletic report that Arsenal are scheduled to meet Ajax this week, so presumably that’s when they’ll place their new bid. Personal terms aren’t expected to be an issue.

United are looking to bring Martinez in as a centre-back, whilst Arsenal are reportedly particularly interested in him as a left-back.

The player has played both roles in the past, so if both clubs agree a fee, it may come down to which option he’s more interested in pursuing.