Edwin van der Sar has revealed that Ajax turned down a proposal from Arsenal for Lisandro Martinez earlier than the defender joined Manchester United.
- Martinez joined Man Utd in £46.5m deal
- Argentine star has impressed for Pink Devils
- However Arsenal tried to signal him first
WHAT HAPPENED? Martinez joined United from the Dutch champions in a £46.5 million ($53m) transfer in the summertime, however Ajax CEO Van der Sar says that he may have ended up at Arsenal at one level.
WHAT THEY SAID: “Arsenal got here earlier for Lisandro, but it surely was an quantity the place we stated: ‘Thanks very a lot for the provide, however we’d fairly maintain the participant than begin negotiating’,” he informed The Athletic. “With United, it was slightly bit completely different. Over time we have now had just a few conversations: Daley Blind, Donny van de Beek. My job is ensuring I make the most effective choices for Ajax.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Martinez has been a standout performer at Outdated Trafford since reuniting together with his former Ajax supervisor Erik ten Hag. The Argentina worldwide has began all 14 of his facet’s Premier League matches this time period and was lately in comparison with Pink Devils legend Nemanja Vidic.
IN THREE PHOTOS:
GettyGetty PhotosGetty Photos
WHAT NEXT FOR MARTINEZ? The 24-year-old will characteristic on the World Cup with Argentina this 12 months, with their marketing campaign beginning towards Saudi Arabia on November 22.