Sky Sports News understands talks are at an advanced stage with the payment structure for the deal under discussion, while Martinez’s personal terms are not expected to be an issue. Ajax are believed to want £42.3m (€50m) for the 24-year-old, who previously played for United manager Ten Haag at the Amsterdam club. United have previously said they will not overpay for Martinez. Sky Sports News revealed earlier this month that Martinez has informed Dutch club Ajax of his desire to move to the Premier League. Arsenal were also interested in the Argentina international but have conceded defeat in their pursuit, while the Gunners’ style of play – along with the prospect of playing for Mikel Arteta – appealed to Martinez, who opted for a move to Old Trafford.
Martinez offers brains, brains and versatility
Sky Sports presents writer Nick Wright: “Last season, Martinez averaged more passes per 90 minutes than any other Eredivisie player, while only two players made more forward passes per 90 minutes. “These numbers highlight Martinez’s ability to play through opposing lines, but he is equally adept at changing play and picking out teammates at longer distances. At Ajax last season, no player had more successful long passes per 90 minutes . “Voted Ajax’s player of the year for his role in last season’s Eredivisie title triumph, Martinez is just 5ft 9in, making him small for a centre-back. “Last season at Ajax, he made the most clearances (29) of any player and won 79 of his 112 aerial duels, giving him a 71 per cent success rate and placing him second only to Harry Maguire between Manchester United and of Arsenal. center back. “Martinez can expect to face more demanding opposition in the Premier League, of course, but his good reading of the game also helps. He is known for anticipating forwards’ runs and positioning himself smartly to make tackles and cut-backs. “These qualities, combined with his versatility and technical ability, make him even more enticing for Premier League suitors.”
Manchester United are hoping to sign De Jong
Image: Frenkie de Jong joined Barcelona in the summer of 2019 for £65m from Ajax
Manchester United remain hopeful of completing a deal to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who does not actively want to leave the Spanish giants but is open to reuniting with ten Haag, who he worked with at Ajax . United have a “broad agreement” with Barca for the fee – believed to be €65m (£56m) plus performance-related add-ons. Chief executive Richard Arnold and director of football John Murtough are continuing talks with Barca officials over the transfer, but the deal is in trouble because De Jong has been delayed by wage issues. He is believed to be owed £17m after taking a pay cut during the pandemic. United continue to insist estranged striker Cristiano Ronaldo is not for sale.
Eriksen will sign for United in the coming days
Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player We take a look at Christian Eriksen’s best moments since joining Brentford in January 2022 Manchester United are also hoping to complete a deal to sign Christian Eriksen in the coming days. The Danish midfielder is set to sign a three-year deal at Old Trafford and will officially sign once he has completed his medical. The 30-year-old, who spent the second half of last season at Brentford, teamed up with Ten Haag when he trained with Ajax as part of his return to football after suffering a cardiac arrest while playing for Denmark at Euro 2020. United were patient in their pursuit of Eriksen and did not pressure the midfielder into a decision as they understood his choice would be based on more than just football. Eriksen has settled in London with his family in Brentford but has been attracted by the prospect of working under Ten Hag and being part of United’s new era under the Dutchman.
Follow the transfer window with Sky Sports
Who will be on the move this summer before the transfer window closes at 11pm on September 1st? Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news and rumors on our exclusive Transfer Center blog on Sky Sports’ digital platforms. You can also catch up on the information and analysis on Sky Sports News.
