Football News: Manchester United are now leading the Lisandro Martinez chase ahead of Arsenal

According to reports, Arsenal has already had two bids rejected. Although no agreement has yet been made, it is thought that Ajax will demand €50 million (£43 million) in exchange for his signature.

Lisandro Martinez's versatility, including his ability to play central defence, left-back, and defensive midfield, is one reason Arsenal is interested in him.

Due to Kieran Tierney's struggles with an injury during the previous season, Mikel Arteta had issues on the left side of the back four. It's a problem that requires attention, especially considering Gabriel's limitations as the only left-sided centre-back option.

Lisandro Martinez will mostly play on the defensive flank for Arsenal. Still, Erik Ten Hag, the manager of Martinez at Ajax, may believe that Martinez is a better choice centrally, which is why Manchester United is also interested in recruiting him.

For a while, the 24-year-old was looking to be moving to Arsenal, but now, according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United are optimistic about making the purchase.

Manchester United are now feeling confident about the Lisandro Martinez deal. Ajax is open to discussion on the fee; new contacts are expected very soon after the bid was rejected last week; Fabrizio Romano tweeted, "Lisandro, pushing again with Ajax to leave the club this summer."

Martinez was Arsenal's primary defensive target heading into the window, but if a proposed switch from Amsterdam to Manchester moves forward, they may have to turn their attention elsewhere.

What's Erik Ten Hag's plan with Lisandro Martinez

Despite having rejected two offers worth up to £42.2 million, the Red Devils are still trying to sign Lisandro Martinez, and Ajax has now raised their price to about £50.7 million.

If Manchester United can entice Martinez away from Amsterdam, where he is affectionately known as "The Butcher" for his aggressive style of play, Erik Ten Hag has just hinted at his aspirations for the 24-year-old at Old Trafford.

The new Manchester United manager highlighted that midfield and attack are his top positions to upgrade in the summer window while remaining mum on particular transfer targets during his first news conference on the Red Devils' preseason tour.

The statement stunned some fans, especially considering how well Martinez has performed at centre-back recently, making him an ideal defender for trade. Martinez is reportedly ready to demand a move to the Premier League.

However, he was still a holding midfielder in 2019 when Ajax paid £6 million to acquire the prospective Argentina international from home team Defensa y Justicia.

His favoured left foot was helpful during build-up and made him adaptable throughout the Ajax back line under Erik Ten Hag's guidance in the Netherlands.

The Dutch tactician's remarks indicate which position Martinez would play at Old Trafford and clarify the Red Devils' perplexing transfer policy.

Manchester United reportedly is ready to forgo adding a defensive midfielder this summer, a position that has been a problem for the squad since longtime stalwart Michael Carrick started to slow down more than five years ago.

Although names like Declan Rice and Ruben Neves from the Premier League have been mentioned, it appears that Erik Ten Hag will be content for Lisandro Martinez to play as a backup defender and a deep-lying midfielder should Old Trafford officials succeed in closing the crucial deal with Ajax and beat English rivals Arsenal.