Manchester United have been handed a big boost in their pursuit of Lisandro Martinez this summer with the Argentine’s heart set on the Premier League.
Reliable journalist for Goal, Charles Watts has been speaking on the FIVE YouTube channel to discuss the tug of war going on for the signature of the Ajax defender.
According to reports, both Arsenal and United are now interested in securing the services of the centre-back for the new campaign with both lodging bids.
Martinez is now believed to have returned to the Dutch capital following his summer break and it seems he may have had his head turned by the Premier League interest.
Watts remained adamant the Gunners will not bow down to United’s interest, however, he does believe Erik ten Hag’s side holds the advantage:
(5:30) “Now, Lisandro Martinez has his heart set on the Premier League, I’m told by people very close to him. He wants that to happen he’s told Ajax that now twice.
“He’s been on holiday but he came back and yesterday [Wednesday] he had a meeting in Amsterdam with Ajax where he reiterated that desire that he wants to move to the Premier League this summer.
“I would say if both sides do manage the table a bit that Ajax find acceptable then, again, what I’m told is United might just have the advantage because of the whole Ten Hag connection with Martinez. But having said that, I’ve also been told that, you know, he has not closed the door on Arsenal at all.”
TIF Thoughts on Watts’ comments…
It is interesting to hear Watts reveal just how intent Martinez is now to join the Premier League ahead of next season and it does make us wonder if he will now really push for the exit.
It is hard to look past his prior relationship with Ten Hag having already played 120 games for the Dutch side under the new Manchester United boss.
With this in mind, surely the Argentine views a move to Old Trafford as the favourable option given Ten Hag’s presence would likely make his transition to England a whole lot easier?