Manchester United 'just have the edge' over Arsenal in the race for Lisandro Martinez thanks to Erik ten Hag's influence at Old Trafford, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
Ten Hag moved into the Red Devils' hot seat following the climax of last season and, having left Ajax to take the job, he wants Martinez to follow in his footsteps.
GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones
What's the latest news involving Martinez?
Ten Hag is looking to raid his former club and, with Antony joining Martinez on his shortlist of targets, Ajax have told Manchester United that they will need to cough up £106.1million to acquire the duo.
Individually, the reigning Eredivisie champions have slapped a £43million price tag on the latter and the Red Devils' Premier League rivals Arsenal have already failed with three bids.
According to the Mirror, Manchester United have stepped up their bid to land Martinez after holding productive talks with Ajax’s new director of football last weekend.
The report suggests Klaas-Jan Huntelaar travelled to London to discuss the terms of a deal for the seven-cap Argentina international and, having lodged a bid worth £39.6million, the Red Devils believe they are in pole position to seal the deal.
Manchester United's hopes of acquiring Martinez have been boosted as it is understood that the 24-year-old has told Ajax that he wants to move to the Premier League ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline.
What has Dean Jones said about Martinez?
Jones believes Manchester United are ahead of Arsenal in the queue to sign Martinez this summer.
The transfer insider feels the appointment of ten Hag could prove pivotal in the race for the central defender's signature.
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Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "For me, United just have the edge over Arsenal when it comes to this transfer.
"That's because of the ten Hag factor and they're further ahead in their progress as a team.
"I know when compared to a lot of teams that they're competing with, they're behind, but with Arsenal, they're ahead."
Why is Martinez on ten Hag's shortlist of targets?
Manchester United conceded 57 goals in the Premier League last season – which is more than relegated Burnley – so it is clear that ten Hag has inherited a squad which is low on confidence and needing defensive reinforcements.
Turning to players he knows well could be the best possible short-term solution and, having selected him 120 times while at the Ajax helm and won silverware four times together, Martinez is someone the new Red Devils chief can trust.
The Argentinian registered an average match rating of 7.6 last season, which emphasises that he is a consistently high performer and will strengthen Manchester United's backline.