Arsenal ‘bid £35m’ for Man Utd target & why Cristiano Ronaldo’s mum may impact transfer plans

The latest Manchester United transfer rumours as the club return to pre-season training.
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There were no new faces arriving at Manchester United‘s Carrington training ground on Monday as the team returned to pre-season on Monday, following a slow start to the transfer window.

Moves for Frenkie De Jong, Christian Eriksen and Antony have been strongly suggested, but to date, the Red Devils haven’t strengthened their ranks since the 2021/22 campaign ended.

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It’s why reports of potential transfers continue to circulate, with several outlets claiming a first signing could be made before the end of the week.

Here are the latest rumours surrounding the club…

United may miss out on the signing of Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez. Credit: Getty.United may miss out on the signing of Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez. Credit: Getty.
United may miss out on the signing of Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez. Credit: Getty.

Arsenal bid for United target

As per the Mirror, Arsenal have tabled a £35m bid for Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez.

The centre-back is said to be on Erik ten Hag’s radar after he missed out on the signing of Jurrien Timber.

The paper claims the Red Devils ‘switched their attention to Martinez’ but add Arsenal ‘are ahead of United’ in that pursuit.

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The Gunners are said to be ‘hopeful’ that their bid for the Argentinian will be accepted.

Ronaldo’s mother wants Sporting return

Cristiano Ronaldo’s mother has asked the forward to finish his career at Sporting Lisbon, with a Portuguese outlet reporting ‘the answer was not negative’.

Ronaldo joined United from Sorting in 2003. Credit: Getty.Ronaldo joined United from Sorting in 2003. Credit: Getty.
Ronaldo joined United from Sorting in 2003. Credit: Getty.

Jornal de Noticias (via Sport Witness) say the decision is not dependent on Sporting making an approach, but ‘all in the hands of the player’.

They add that the player’s wages are a ‘delicate issue’, although the side from the Portuguese capital could offer Ronaldo Champions League football next season, something United can’t.

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It comes after Sporting’s director of football, Hugo Viana, failed to rule out the possibility of the 37-year-old returning to his former club, nearly two decades after departing.

After admitting it was unlikely Ronaldo would sign, he told Sky Sports: “ He can decide where he can go. But you never know the future. I don’t want to talk a lot about that because when we speak about Cristiano it is quite different. I think he has one more year on his contract, so whatever he decides, let’s see.”

United knock back Barca offer

Journalist Andy Mitten has backed up reports elsewhere that Barcelona did indeed inquire about the availability of Red Devils captain Harry Maguire.

Writing for the National, he added ‘United have no interest in selling him’ as Ten Hag wants to work with the England international.

The article also claims the price agreed for Frenkie De Jong starts at £54m (€63m) and is likely to rise to £69m (€80m) based on achievable add-ons.

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