Manchester United look to be finally getting their man as a deal for Ajax centre-back Lisandro Martinez has moved a step closer.
United appear to have a clear path to landing the 24-year-old after Arsenal cooled their interest in the Argentine, with Ajax ready to accept the Old Trafford club’s £45million offer.
Martinez is set to be reunited with Erik ten Hag and could become United’s third signing of a frustrating and protracted transfer window so far.
The defender is one of his former manager’s top targets and could bolster a United backline that shipped more goals than relegated Burnley in the Premier League last season.
Here, Sportsmail takes a look at Martinez, his style of play and why the new United boss has tried so desperately to sign him.
Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez appears to be heading to Manchester United from Ajax
Martinez, who worked with Erik ten Hag at Ajax, is set to reunite with the Dutchman
How did he get here?
Born in the Argentinian city of Gualeguay, Martinez began playing for Newell’s Old Boys, the iconic side where Lionel Messi shot to fame.
He grew up idolising his countryman Gabriel Heinze – who played for Manchester United, the club who are chasing his signature.
Martinez started grabbing the attention of clubs around Europe due to his confidence and ability as a left-sided ball-playing central defender.
The Argentine looks up to counterpart and former United defender Gabriel Heinze (left)
Ajax quickly began to perk their heads up after he began to impress for new club Defensa y Justicia.
During three years in Holland, he has forged a reputation for his fearsome displays and tenacity to win the ball in the air and on the ground, earning the nickname ‘The Argentine Butcher’.
Martinez has made 118 appearances for Ajax, including 19 in the Champions League. He played in 36 games in the Dutch club’s title-winning season despite missing the final seven matches through injury.
The diminutive defender has also been capped seven times by Argentina and will hope to be included in the South American side’s squad for the World Cup in Qatar.
Why do United – and Arsenal – want him?
Martinez is renowned for his ball-playing abilities and has been described as one of the best in the Eredivisie.
He is great with the ball at his feet and regularly begins attacks from the back for Ajax with his excellent passing.
Martinez is widely regarded as an excellent ball-playing defender and starts attacks from the back
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