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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Simon Collings

Lisandro Martinez sends Ajax transfer message as Arsenal plot fresh talks amid Manchester United battle

Arsenal and Manchester United target Lisandro Martinez has informed Ajax of his desire to play in the Premier League.

The Argentine defender is currently being courted by both clubs, who have each held talks over a deal.

Ajax are holding out for a fee in the region of £45million as they are under no financial pressure to sell this summer after already banking around £50m from the departures of Ryan Gravenberch and Sebastien Haller.

Martinez, for his part, is keen to test himself in the Premier League and has told Ajax of his desire to do so - but he is not currently forcing a move.

Arsenal and Manchester United are expected to hold further talks with Ajax this week over a deal for the centre-back, with both clubs eager to wrap up a move before they depart for their respective pre-season tours.

The Gunners are attracted to the signing of Martinez because he can provide competition at left-back, while also being able to play in midfield and at the heart of defence.

Arsenal have pushed to get their transfer business done early this summer and confirmed the signing of Gabriel Jesus yesterday.

The Brazilian is their fourth arrival of the summer after goalkeeper Matt Turner, midfielder Fabio Vieira and winger Marquinhos also made the move to Emirates Stadium.

Lisandro Martinez wants to leave Ajax this summer amid interest from Arsenal and Manchester United (ANP via Getty Images)

Arsenal are pushing to sell players over the next two months with several available to go, including Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Bernd Leno, Hector Bellerin, Lucas Torreira, Nicolas Pepe and Pablo Mari.

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