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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Simon Collings

Lisandro Martinez: Arsenal forced into transfer rethink as Ajax star agrees £45m Manchester United move

Arsenal target Lisandro Martinez has agreed a deal to move to Manchester United

(Picture: Getty Images)

Arsenal are exploring other left-back targets as Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez closes in on a move to Manchester United.

Ajax and Manchester United are in advanced talks for Martinez and there is optimism a deal will be concluded.

Arsenal had been trying to sign the left-back too, but their interest has cooled recently with Ajax digging their heels in over their £45million asking price.

The Gunners are now looking at other left-back targets, which will impact the future of Nuno Tavares.

The 22-year-old, who joined Arsenal last summer as part of a deal worth around £8.5m, is attracting interest from clubs who want to sign him on loan.

Arsenal could be open to agreeing such a move, but they will want to have a replacement lined up first.

Martinez has agreed to join Manchester United as he wants to test himself in the Premier League, while he is eager for a reunion with his old Ajax boss Erik ten Hag.

The Argentina international predominantly plays as a left-back, but he can also operate in midfield and the heart of defence too.

Arsenal are now in the United States for their pre-season tour after landing in Baltimore on Wednesday.

The Gunners have taken a 33-man squad for the tour, which includes games against Everton, Orlando City and Chelsea, but a number of those who have travelled face uncertain futures.

The likes of Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Bernd Leno, Hector Bellerin and Pablo Mari could all leave Arsenal this summer.

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