Erik ten Hag responds to Jurrien Timber setback with move for Arsenal transfer target

Manchester United have joined Arsenal in the race to sign Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez after missing out on a deal to sign his teammate Jurrien Timber.

Part of the Argentina squad that won the Copa America in 2021, Martinez was recently voted Ajax Player of the Year as the Dutch giants retained the Eredivisie title under Erik ten Hag – who has now moved to Old Trafford and is hopeful of raiding his former club to bolster his squad.

Arsenal first made a move for Martinez last week despite the impressive partnership formed by Benjamin White and Gabriel last season. A report in De Telegraaf claims that the Gunners told Ajax they were prepared to offer £25.8million (€30m) for the defender but backed down after being informed that the player would not be sold.

The same report adds that United boss Ten Hag is driving United’s interest in the Argentine and there is a belief that the Red Devils would be willing to put more money on the table than Arsenal. No figures are suggested nor does it claim that an offer has been lodged but the interest is said to be real.

The 24-year-old defender has been a regular for Ajax over the past three seasons, developing his game under Ten Hag to become one of the best young defenders in Europe. Martinez joined the Dutch side in 2019 from Defensa y Justicia and has made 118 appearances for Ajax. He still has three years remaining on his current deal.

United’s interest in Martinez comes after being frustrated in their attempts to land his Ajax teammate Timber. The Dutch international looks set to remain at Ajax to secure a place in the World Cup squad and the Amsterdam club are keen to tie him down to a new contract.

While a new central defender is on United’s summer radar, Ten Hag has ‘made clear’ that his two priority transfer targets in this summer window are Frenkie de Jong and Christian Eriksen. Both former Ajax stars are at the very top of his wish list this summer, as first reported by the Sunday Mirror, and are fundamental to his new project at Old Trafford. The new United coach has explained to the club’s board that each midfielder is crucial to his style of play and has instructed them to secure their dealings.

Barcelona midfielder De Jong is a top transfer priority for Ten Hag and the pair held a phone call during which the coach outlined the role the player would enjoy under him as part of a charm offensive. Reports this weekend outlined how the midfielder has already cleared out his locker at Barca with a move appearing to edge closer.

Meanwhile, Danish playmaker Eriksen is available on a free transfer and United are believed to have tabled an offer. However, the former Tottenham ace also has proposals from Brentford – where he shone throughout the second half of last season after recovering from the cardiac arrest which he suffered during last summer’s European Championship – and former club Spurs.

These two options which would allow Eriksen and his family to remain in London. However, it is the offer to join Ten Hag’s United revolution that is arguably the most intriguing.

Philip Acquah

See author's posts