How Van der Sar helped Man Utd sign Martinez with Arsenal snub
Karan Tejwani
- Updated: 23 May 2023 08:46 CDT
- 3 min read
Edwin van der Sar has spoken about the interest in Lisandro Martinez over the summer transfer window, as there was plenty of interest in the Argentine centre-half.
Martinez made a move from Ajax to Manchester United over the summer in a €67 million deal – one of the summer’s biggest transfers as the Red Devils spent big throughout the window.
The Argentine had impressed for Ajax since joining them in 2019 and had grown in quality, proving he was ready for the step last season when he was named the Dutch club’s Player of the Season.
READ: Lisandro Martinez’s transfer value has doubled since Man Utd move
Now, Van der Sar has spoken about the interest in him, and that the Dutch champions initially rejected an approach from Arsenal before selling to Manchester United.
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Ajax rejected Arsenal approach
Arsenal saw some bids rejected by Ajax as the Dutch side demanded a big fee, before Manchester United swooped in and got their man by paying the price.
Van der Sar has spoken about that transfer saga in an interview with The Times, and how Ajax were determined to keep the defender at the club.
READ: Man Utd's Lisandro Martinez shows defending isn't always about feet and inches
“It was our opinion they should stay for another year. We gave a firm ‘no’ to Arsenal when they came first for Lisandro; we fought hard to keep him,” the former goalkeeper said when asked about the move.
Erik ten Hag, the Manchester United boss, was keen to reunite with the defender at Old Trafford and his faith has been rewarded as Martinez has been performing well for the club.
Mate I don’t know you but we’re in this together… 😅🤜🏻🤛🏻🔴 fighting until the end!!!!! #MUFC https://t.co/SIfxCBuQPP pic.twitter.com/I6GeaRCuw2
— Lisandro Martinez (@LisandrMartinez) October 22, 2022
Recent displays against Tottenham and Chelsea have proven that Martinez has been able to cut it at Premier League level and he is being widely praised for his displays.
After Ajax rejected Arsenal’s approach, the Gunners themselves stuck with William Saliba, who has performed well for himself in the Premier League and has established himself in the English top-flight.
