Manchester United Out to Hijack Ajax Star As Rivals Arsenal Put in Third Bid for Impressive Defender

• Lisandro Martinez is on the radar of Arsenal who have now made their third official bid to Dutch club Ajax
• English Premier League rivals Manchester United are now prepared to battle the Gunners for the defender’s signature
• Erik ten Hag had been interested in signing strikers, but now the Red Devils understand what it means for Martinez to play for rivals Arsenal

Despite that Arsenal have put in a third bid for Ajax star Lisandro Martinez, reports have it that the Argentine defender is now on the radar of Manchester United.

It was gathered that United have now officially registered their interest in the player and are monitoring his situation.

SunSport reports that new manager Erik ten Hag has been making efforts to land new forwards following bids for Frenkie de Jong and Tyrrell Malacia.

United are now conscious that Martinez could end up playing for their rivals, so they have also activated their pursuit of the centre-back.

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The 24-year-old Martinez is said to be interested in a move to the Premier League, although Ajax are asking for £43million to think about letting him leave.

The Gunners saw their opening bid of £26million rejected and they added another £8 million in their second bid, which was also turned down.

Again, Arsenal are said to have made another down payment which is similar and that might not be enough to tempt the Dutch club to do business, Evening Standard reports.

Now they want to see what Manchester United will offer for Martinez, but that would be a big blow for Mikel Arteta, who has also seen Chelsea move in for another of his key targets, Raphinha, in recent days.

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Meanwhile, Brazilian forward Rafinha has reportedly agreed to join Spanish club Barcelona despite being chased by English Premier League clubs, Chelsea and Liverpool.

The 25-year-old has been in blistering form so far this season and he is expected to dump the relegation battlers, Leeds United, when his contract ends.

It was gathered that Leeds are doing everything to keep their most-prized asset and would even make an attempt to double his wages.

Chelsea receive Matthijs de Ligt after boost

Sports Brief earlier reported that Chelsea has received a boost in their pursuit of Matthijs de Ligt after Juventus admitted they stand a good chance of losing the Dutch defender this summer.

The 22-year-old defender has tabled a request to leave the former Serie A champions after talks for a new deal collapsed with Juventus.

Juventus CEO Maurizio Arrivabene has now revealed the Turin club will be happy to sell the Dutch defender so long their terms are met.