Manchester United have taken the lead to sign Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez, with some sources reporting Arsenal have pulled out.

Ajax' Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez (C) runs with the ball during the Dutch Eredivisie football match between Willem II and Ajax at the Koning Willem II stadium in Tilburg, southern Netherlands, on February 19, 2022. (Photo by MAURICE VAN STEEN/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)
Ajax’ Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez (C) runs with the ball during the Dutch Eredivisie football match between Willem II and Ajax at the Koning Willem II stadium in Tilburg, southern Netherlands, on February 19, 2022. (Photo by MAURICE VAN STEEN/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)

David Ornstein reports for The Athletic that Manchester United are seeking an agreement with Ajax to sign Lisandro Martinez, and his belief is that United are now favourites ahead of Arsenal.

Negotiations between the two clubs are advanced, and Martinez himself is keen on a reunion with Erik ten Hag, his coach at Ajax.

The Daily Mail report that United have submitted a £34.5m bid for Martinez, similar to the one Arsenal already offered.

But United’s offer is likely to be inflated by add-ons, with Ajax holding out for £43m to sell.

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James Robson of Goal reports that United’s talks with Ajax are going well, so the signs certainly all point to ten Hag landing his target.

There are mixed reports over whether or not Arsenal are still seriously in the race at this stage.

Fabrizio Romano reports that they are, claiming the Gunners have no intention to give up, and they’re still pushing.

Yet other rumours on social media suggest Arsenal may have pulled out entirely. The situation should become clearer in the coming days.

Ajax's Lisandro Martinez poses with the Rinus-Michels player of the year award after Ajax won the 36th Dutch Eredivisie title after the football match between Ajax Amsterdam and SC Heerenveen at the Johan Cruijff ArenA on May 11, 2022. (Photo by MAURICE VAN STEEN/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)
Ajax’s Lisandro Martinez poses with the Rinus-Michels player of the year award after Ajax won the 36th Dutch Eredivisie title after the football match between Ajax Amsterdam and SC Heerenveen at the Johan Cruijff ArenA on May 11, 2022. (Photo by MAURICE VAN STEEN/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)

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.

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