It looks like it is going to be a good week for Manchester United and their new manager, Erik ten Hag.
After sealing a 4-0 rout over fierce rivals Liverpool on Tuesday in a friendly held in Thailand, it now appears they have a clear path to signing Lisandro Martinez from Ajax.
United had been battling it out with Arsenal for the versatile Argentina defender, 24, but according to GOAL on Wednesday, the Gunners have cooled their interest in him.
Ajax have been steadfast in holding out for a fee beyond the £38m proposed by both Premier League clubs.
Arsenal have had two offers rejected with their last, coming in at £34m plus add-ons up to £38m.
Sportsmail reported on July 8 that United had tabled a fresh £43m offer and it appears now that Arsenal will not be matching that bid.
It had long been thought that Martinez’s relationship with Ten Hag could sway the deal in United’s favour. The defender can play at centre-back or left-back.
Martinez started his career in his native Argentina, playing at youth level for Newell’s Old Boys before joining Defensa y Justicia.
It was there where his quality started to shine as his performances brought interest from Europe – including Ajax – who snapped him up for just £6m in 2019.
Since joining the Dutch giants, he has won two Eredivisie titles and the Dutch Cup – with Ajax now in line to profit significantly on the player who came in to replace Mathijis de Ligt after his move to Juventus the same year.
United, meanwhile, head to Australia next for a friendly against Melbourne Victory on Friday as Ten Hag looks to build on the promising win over Liverpool.
Jadon Sancho, Fred and Anthony Martial scored in the first half before Facundo Pellestri got the fourth in the 76th minute.