Manchester United could make a “breakthrough” in their pursuit of Ajax and Argentina centre-back Lisandro Martínez this week, according to talkSPORT transfer insider Alex Crook.
Erik ten Hag’s side have been linked with a number of his former players at Ajax this summer, but the 24-year-old centre-back seems to be the most advanced at this stage of the window.
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What’s the latest on Martínez?
According to the Telegraaf (via Metro) Ajax are now demanding £52m for the acquisition of Martínez this summer, after United’s latest bid around £43m was rejected by the Dutch giants.
The Metro claim that the seven-time Argentina international is desperate to join ten Hag’s side this summer, and he has twice pleaded with his club to get the deal over the line, in good faith.
The same report however, states that the Eredivisie side are trying to start a bidding war between the Red Devils and Arsenal this summer, with the north London side also interested in strengthening their backline with the Argentine’s services.
But Crook believes that there will be progress made in negotiations between United and Ajax this week, with the deal looking like it could be completed soon.
What has Crook said about Martínez?
He told GIVEMESPORT: “I think there'll be a breakthrough with Martínez this week.
“He's really pushing it on his side, they’re not too far away financially, so I think that will happen.”
Would Martínez be a good signing for Manchester United?
The acquisition of Martínez would be highly likely to improve ten Hag’s backline, with the Dutchman eager to get players through the door before the Premier League season kicks-off in August.
The centre-back has made 120 appearances for Ajax during his time in the Netherlands, scoring six goals and providing the same amount of assists, according to Transfermarkt.
In terms of current centre-back options at Old Trafford, Martínez is likely to rank as the best should he sign for the Manchester club, with the Argentine defender ranking in the top 1% of centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues and European competition for tackles per 90 minutes (3.12) according to FBref.
This is a significantly better rate than that of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelöf who rank in the top 59% (1.48), and 94% (0.78) respectively, according to the same stats provider.
And an average SofaScore rating of 7.61 for his performances in the Eredivisie last season suggest that Martínez is playing in a league well below his level, and now might be the right time to step-up to the Premier League.
Martínez might not be the most well-known centre-back across Europe, but his acquisition could be the first piece of a very crucial rebuild ahead of ten Hag.