Why Arsenal's Martinez hunt will stop Man Utd signing Timber

27 Jun 2022 16:20 CDT
3 min read

Lisandro Martinez and Jurrien Timber, Ajax — © ProShots

Manchester United remain keen on raiding Erik ten Hag's former club Ajax as they seek to adhere to their new head coach's wishes.

Ten Hag has already stamped his authority at Old Trafford by demanding the purchase of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, whom he worked with during his time at the Eredivisie club.

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Furthermore, Sebastian Haller was briefly linked before agreeing to join Borussia Dortmund, while Antony is a player they remain interested in. Ajax have, however, reportedly put an €80 million price tag on his head to ward off any suitors.

Man Utd are also interested in two more Ajax players - centre-back duo Lisandro Martinez and Jurrien Timber. The latter has been linked since Ten Hag took over, while interest in Martinez has grown recently.

However, in regards to Martinez they face serious competition from fellow Premier League giants Arsenal. The Gunners want to add the Argentina international to their squad ahead of next season and have submitted multiple bids, with the most recent being a €40m offer.

Arsenal have certainly been the more pro-active of the two clubs and appear in pole position to land him unless Man Utd decide to make a late bid.

If Mikel Arteta's side are able to agree a deal with Ajax for Martinez, then not only will Man Utd have missed out on another transfer target, but it will effectively end their pursuit of Timber as well.

Martinez or Timber

Fabrizio Romano has reported that while Ajax are happy to let one of their first choice centre-backs leave this summer, they aren't willing to allow both of them to leave.

© ProShots - Jurrien Timber has been on Man Utd's radar since Ten Hag took over

Therefore, it's either Martinez or Timber to be sold and if Arsenal can secure the former's signature, then it'll leave Man Utd empty handed and relying on Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane unless they turn to other targets.

Ajax have already sold the aforementioned Haller to Dortmund, while Ryan Gravenberch and Noussair Mazraoui have both joined Bayern Munich, and Martinez is likely to be next if Arsenal to convince the Amsterdam side to sell.

Ajax are reportedly asking for €50m for the Argentine, leaving a €10m gap in between their valuation and Arsenal's current best offer.

Read more about: Eredivisie, Premier League, Ajax, Arsenal, Man Utd, Jurrien Timber, Lisandro Martínez