Erik ten Hag's Man Utd frustrations set to increase further as Arsenal swoop for target

Arsenal have made Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez one of their priority transfer targets, in a move which could anger Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag.

The Gunners are busy making moves in the early stages of the summer transfer window and are now reportedly setting their sights on Martinez. The news follows the announcement that Porto midfielder Fabio Vieira will be moving to the club in a deal worth £38million . The 22-year-old will become the club’s second summer signing, after Brazilian forward Marquinhos .

According to The Athletic , Arsenal are not slowing down, with Martinez, Manchester City ’s Gabriel Jesus and Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans three of their top targets. The Gunners have already seen a £25million (€30m) bid rejected by Ajax for Martinez but intend to return with an improved offer soon.

The 24-year-old centre-back 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 left on his contract, but looks set to follow the pathway previously trodden by Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld by moving abroad. Arsenal’s interest in Martinez may well annoy Ten Hag, who is also keen on signing one of his former proteges.

The Telegraph reported last month that Ten Hag would like United to bring in a quick centre-back who is capable of defending one v one. Martinez is far from the only player earmarked at Old Trafford, with his Ajax team-mate Jurrien Timber another possibility, but he is a significant one.

Martinez is reportedly keen on a move to Arsenal, where he would also offer