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.

Gallery: Bundesliga transfer window 2022 - updates (dw.com)

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