Man Utd told they will have to increase offer if they want to beat Arsenal to defender

Man Utd will have to increase their offer for Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez if they want to sign him this summer, according to reports.

Both Arsenal and the Red Devils have been bidding for his services with both the Premier League clubs desperate for a new centre-back to strengthen their squad depth.

The Argentina international was one of Ajax’s best players last season as they won the Eredivisie title with Martinez contributing a goal and three assists in 24 league appearances.

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Yesterday, Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf claimed that Man Utd had increased their offer to €50m, including bonuses, for Martinez

And now De Telegraaf journalist Mike Verweij (via Soccer News) has an update on the situation with Ajax ready to stick to their guns over their demands for the centre-back.

“In principle, Antony and Martínez were told ‘not for sale’, while it was noted that every player is for sale for the right price,” Verweij said.

“Now amounts are being offered, which means that top consultations are taking place in the Johan Cruijff Arena. What should you do if they offer fifty million euros for a player of yours?”

There have been reports that Martinez prefers a move to Man Utd over Arsenal and Verweij reckons the 24-year-old could yet help the Red Devils get a deal over the line.

Verweij added: “But at some point a player also has something to say. He was once signed for seven million euros, can earn five or six times more at Manchester United, so at some point it will become untenable. He wants to go there and that has nothing to do with Ajax.”

But the journalist has a word of warning over their latest €50m bid with Verweij convinced they will have to offer more to get the deal over the line this summer.

Verweij continued: “Eventually he will leave, I think. I would like to say that Ajax is currently saying that a departure is not negotiable. Also for this price. Manchester United will have to go up even further.”