Arsenal remain ahead of Manchester United in the race to sign Lisandro Martinez, and they’re trying to close the deal quickly.

Fabrizio Romano reports that for now, Arsenal’s interest in Ajax’s Lisandro Martinez is more advanced. Arsenal have already submitted official bids, whereas United have only made contact with the player’s representatives.

United are busy resolving moves for Tyrell Malacia and Frenkie de Jong, and The Telegraph suggest Arsenal are trying to use this delay to their advantage.

The Gunners have submitted a bid of around £35m, rising to almost £40m with add-ons, and they’re pushing to get a deal done quickly.

Ajax are in no rush, and a bidding war suits them, so they’re likely to delay for as long as they can.

Ben Jacobs of CBS Sports reports that there’s currently no indication that United are hijacking the deal, and that it seems like they have other priorities. But we’ve seen how quickly that can change with the Raphinha pursuit.

Arsenal initially made a bid of around £25m for Martinez, followed by another worth £35m. The S*n claim the Gunners have since made a third attempt, but seemingly only to increase the add-ons in the second bid.

Martinez made 36 appearances for Ajax last season, winning their Player of the Year award. The 24-year-old centre-back can also play at left-back or in midfield, and he’s an Argentina international.