Lisandro Martinez claims he has joined one of the "best clubs in the world" as the defender put pen to paper on a five-year deal at Manchester United. The 24-year-old joined the Red Devils from Ajax this summer for roughly £48million plus add-ons.
Martinez was also linked with a move to Arsenal this season as Mikel Arteta looked to strengthen his squad in both quality and depth during the transfer window. At this stage, the Spaniard has spent over £100million, adding five new players into the fold at the Emirates Stadium.
The pursuit of the Argentina international could have been to help cover several positions, with his ability to play at left-back, centre-back and in midfield. All three areas were issues at one stage or another for the Gunners when it came to depth, due to injuries and suspensions.
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After missing out on Martinez, attention quickly shifted to Oleksandr Zinchenko at Manchester City. The Ukraine international, much like the new Manchester United defender, can play a number of positions and roles that make him useful for a longer campaign like Arsenal will face with the addition of the Europa League this time out.
Zinchenko swiftly joined up with the squad in Orlando, making the move for roughly £30million on a four-year deal. It remains to be seen which signing will work out for the better, but Martinez has already explained why he chose United over Arsenal.
Speaking to the official website on his arrival, the defender said: "Well, Manchester United I think is one of the best clubs in the world. Every player wants to play here. The opportunity was there, so I took it and now I’m really happy to be here."
It shows the Red Devils still have some pulling power in the market and that any future battles between them and the Gunners in the window could heat up.
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