(Football news) Manchester United according to reports have won the race for Lisandro Martinez, with the Ajax defender set to move to the 20-time English champions in the near future. The 24-year-old's future has been a subject of much speculation in recent weeks, with Arsenal believed to be keen on bringing the Argentine international to the Premier League this summer. A recent report claimed that new Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag was confident of convincing Lisandro Martinez to snub the Gunners to move to Old Trafford.

According to the Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, United now need to complete the 'final paperwork' only. Galetti also claims that a switch to Manchester is 'only a matter of time', with Martinez set to follow the likes of Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen in making the move to Old Trafford this summer. Martinez was a crucial player for Ajax last season, scoring one goal and providing four assists in 36 appearances in all competitions, playing a leading role in their league title triumph this season

Meanwhile, he has made 120 appearances for Ajax since arriving in Amsterdam from Defensa y Justicia in 2019, helping the club win back-to-back Eredivisie titles and the KNVB Cup in 2021. Man United recently made a £39.6m offer for Martinez, with Ajax receiving £35.3m up front, with a further £4.3m in guaranteed add-ons, although it is unclear whether that is the fee that has been agreed between Ajax and United. Martinez also has the experience of playing as a holding midfielder and a left-back during his professional career, but it is understood that he is being targeted by Man United as a partner for either Harry Maguire or Raphael Varane

Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof are all expected to stay at Old Trafford this summer, but the likes of Eric Bailly, Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe could leave before the end of the transfer window. Malacia was the first signing by the club, with Eriksen expected to follow in the near future, but a deal for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has seemingly stalled. 
Man United are to travel to Thailand on Friday for the start of their pre-season tour, but it is unclear whether Cristiano Ronaldo will be on the plane, with the Portugal international not returning to training this week due to a personal family matter.

"Frenkie is not for sale. He is a Barcelona player. We don't want to transfer him," said Barcelona president Joan Laporta at the unveiling of Franck Kessie on Wednesday afternoon.
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Dutch journalist Marcel van der Kraan recently told De Telegraaf "Martinez is very high on Erik ten Hag's wishlist, so I expect big developments in the 24 or 48 hours. Martinez will also have his hopes pinned on United, who are an absolute top club for him. Ajax will really cash out for Martinez and go to €45m (£38.7m)-€50m (£43m), but that is the advantage if two clubs bid, as we saw with Lyon and Manchester United, then it suddenly goes higher."

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