Arsenal was interested in Lisandro Martinez in the summer when he was still at Ajax.
The defender was one of the sought-after players in the last transfer window and the Gunners wanted to add him to their squad.
But they were not the only club chasing his signature, with Manchester United also retaining an interest.
The Red Devils wanted to reunite him with Erik ten Hag and eventually got their wish after he pushed to join them.
However, Arsenal had a bid for his signature before them, but Ajax turned it down.
The Dutch club’s director, Edwin van der Sar has now revealed why.
Van der Sar told the Athletic: “Arsenal came earlier for Lisandro, but it was an amount where we said, ‘Thank you very much for the offer, but we’d rather keep the player than start negotiating’.
“With United, it was a little bit different. Over the years we have had a few conversations: Daley Blind, Donny van de Beek. My job is making sure I make the best decisions for Ajax.”
Just Arsenal Opinion
Martinez has become one of the best summer signings in England, but we are also doing well.
William Saliba returned to the Emirates and has strengthened our defence.
His form means we didn’t miss out on Martinez because we are having a better season than United.
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He had a bad start ,but now believe he’s been one of man Utd’s best players this season.
Wonder where he would have fitted in seeing our back 4 and players in front are doing so well .
Arsenal wanted to play him in that Zinchenko role cos he’s also a utility player that can play in midfield
Rather have Saliba any day over Martinez, just believe Saliba is currently better and will be much better several years into the future.
Also, I’m glad Arsenal passed on Martinez because I feel that Utd overpaid for the player, even though he is having a good run so far in the PL.
Yes
55m was too much for us to compete
Plus another 10M in add-ons.
I will not be happy if Arsenal should agree with Ajax demands. After Manutd is paying 55m, they are also paying 65k for every match Martinez is playing ( 30games per season in a period of 5yrs).
That’s over paying and mismanagement of fund…
Thought we wanted to sign him because he could play at left back and his passing abilities.
But Arsenal must learned to go about their business more discreetly,
We got Zinchenko, which is still a good bargain.
In Martinez Arsenal were looking for versatility in the left defensive wing. In Zinchenko we got a player who fits into the left back and can play in the midfield
So, no regrets as far as I’m concerned
Translation: Man Utd were prepared to overpay (as usual).
Martinez is better that Gabriel…
It would have been formidable Back 4 of White, Saliba, Martinez and Zinchenko..
Don’t think he’s as dominant in the air as Gabriel and remember we have one of the best defense in the league
@Kedar, with your prediction, do you think we will be on top by now with your so called Martinez without a goal and assist this season.
Do you know how many goal Gabriel has scored for us this season?
In fact with Martinez in utd, the have 0goals difference and conceded more goals than us with their one of the best goal keeper in the league.
Please forget about this Martinez of a guy and let’s move on…..
For sure never compare dat little Martinez wiz Great Gabriel!