- Arsenal improve offer for Martinez
Manchester United have rejected Barcelona’s request to include captain Harry Maguire in Frenkie de Jong’s deal.
In a recent report by The Sun, United value Maguire, who was signed for £80m and is part of Erik ten Hag’s plan for next season.
According to the Telegraph, United tendered an initial £54m bid for the midfielder which was rejected by the Catalans that are insisting the player is valued at £73.2m
However, the report further stated both clubs have agreed on a deal of around £69m without the inclusion of Maguire.
With the bargain soon to be struck, Frenkie de Jong will become the first signing of Ten Hag for Manchester United that are eager to go a mile further to also raid Eredivisie topflight club, Ajax of their striker and defender.
United are presently studying a move to bring in Ajax Antony to reunite with Ten Hag in Old Trafford alongside defender Lisandro Martinez.
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However, the Red Devils have been told Antony is rated about £80m but they will have to face a stiff competition with Arsenal to sign Martinez.
According to Daily Mail, Ajax have valued Martinez at about £42m, instigating the Dutch club to reject the Gunners’ first £25m bid for the defender.
Reportedly, Manchester United are hoping to overtake the North London club in the deal and will not hesitate to initiate the first offer of £30m.
In a recent twist of event, Arsenal have made an improved offer for the Argentine, De Telegraaf reported.
According to the report, the Gunners have submitted a new offer of circa £34m to Ajax to overtake the Red Devils in securing the defender’s signature.
However, Ajax will not sanction the sale because it falls below their £42m value for the versatile defender, who can play in both centre-defence and leg-back positions. This quality according to reports fits the player into Mikel Arteta’s style of football at the Emirates Stadium.
