Barcelona have reportedly set their sights on Anthony Martial, and are lining up a £60 million bid to sign the Manchester United forward this summer.
According to a report by Daily Mail, Antoine Griezmann might not be the only forward heading to Camp Nou in the summer transfer window. Barcelona are showing interest in French attacker Anthony Martial, who is in a contract standoff with Manchester United and could be on his way out of Old Trafford.
Martial’s time at Manchester United has been a mixed bag, with its fair share of ups and downs. From being the top scorer in the 2015-16 season, to struggling for game time in Jose Mourinho’s maiden campaign to reclaiming his lost place in the side, it truly has been a roller coaster of a ride.
The latest phase of his time at Old Trafford has seen him fall down the pecking order, with Alexis Sanchez’s arrival making him a bit-part player. In the last three months or so, the player has started just four games, and is yet to find the back of the net.
The latest news coming out of Old Trafford has been quite concerning for Manchester United fans, with reports stating that Martial is at an impasse with the club over a new deal. This seems to have piqued the interest of several big-name clubs, with Barcelona the latest suitors in his pursuit.
The Catalans seem to be decently stocked as far as options in wide areas are concerned, with Philippe Coutinho, Andres Iniesta and Ousmane Dembele being deployed on either flank by Ernesto Valverde. Up front though, Barcelona have a severe shortage of options, with Paco Alcacer the only player at the manager’s disposal beyond Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
It is also important to note that Suarez is on the wrong side of 30, and in the twilight of his career. While Antoine Griezmann is already heavily linked with a move to Camp Nou, the 2017-18 season has been indication enough that just one reinforcement in attack won’t do for Barcelona.
Indeed, fatigue has been an enormous issue for Valverde in recent months, and one of the contributing factors to Barcelona’s ouster from the Champions League. The Manchester United man is, thus, a viable target for the Blaugrana, with the player potentially an option for more than one position.
The report suggests that Barcelona are set to test the resolve of Manchester United with a £60 million bid. While the Premier League heavyweights would prefer retaining the services of Martial, the player is not showing keenness to sign the dotted line on a new contract due to concerns over his game time.
With little over a year – and another optional year – remaining on his current deal at Old Trafford, Manchester United’s hand could be forced if the impasse continues. Barcelona could, thus, have an advantage in the bid to sign Martial, and it remains to be seen if he indeed moves to Camp Nou in the summer.
