Chelsea are keeping a keen track of Anthony Martial’s situation at Manchester United and could swoop for the mercurial Frenchman in the summer.
According to Telegraph, Anthony Martial will be a wanted man in the summer, should Manchester United be open to the idea of the Frenchman leaving Old Trafford. But, Chelsea have reportedly emerged as one of the shock destinations for the winger, with the Blues looking at Martial as one of the many potential summer arrivals to rebuild the attack.
Anthony Martial took the world by storm as he arrived at Manchester United for a hefty fee. The Frenchman then proved his critics wrong as he carried the United attack in his maiden season, with 17 goals to his name. Jose Mourinho’s arrival though, seemed to have put a cog in his progress as Martial was condemned to the bench, mostly. His return suffered as well, with the player recording just 8 goals.
The 2017-18 season started brightly for Martial and has in fact, been a positive one. But, Alexis Sanchez’s arrival in January seems to have pushed both Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial to the bench, something that has cast doubt on the future of both the players.
Jose Mourinho himself refused to rule out a summer departure for either player, which has seen interest in Anthony Martial skyrocket in recent weeks. Bayern Munich, Juventus, Barcelona, Tottenham and several other clubs have already registered their interest in a potential summer deal for the Frenchman.
But, Chelsea’s entry is interesting. Unlike the aforementioned clubs – Bayern Munich, Juventus and Barcelona are all champions or champions-elect of their respective leagues this season while Tottenham are set to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League and Champions League football for next season – the Blues are somewhat in disarray.
Antonio Conte is likely to depart in the summer and any incoming manager is likely to put his own spin to the tactics and personnel at Chelsea.
The Blues will face a downturn in revenue, with the club almost guaranteed to not qualify for Champions League next term. Despite the downturn though, Roman Abramovich is ready to back the new manager in the transfer market, with one of the main priorities being a reinforcement in attack.
One of the main reasons behind it is Real Madrid’s interest in Eden Hazard, who could leave in the summer, especially with Chelsea set for a season without Champions League football.
Anthony Martial could be a straight-forward replacement for the Belgian while also being an able companion in attack, should Hazard end up staying beyond the summer.
Martial though, has clubs who have proven themselves in the league this season and will have Champions League football to offer next term clamouring for his services.
Jose Mourinho has shown in the past that, for the right price, he is willing to let a player go to his rival. But, Anthony Martial’s case could be different. Even the Portuguese has admitted to the player’s undeniable talent and could reject all offers for the player come summer.
Indeed, if clubs like Bayern Munich, Juventus and Barcelona are competing for Martial’s signature, Manchester United have to realise that a talent with such a high profile should not be allowed to leave at Old Trafford. Martial has already proven himself in his maiden season at the club and this season has presented positive signs of a chance for Martial to yet have a blossoming career under Mourinho at United.
Chelsea though, like other clubs in for Martial, will be lying in wait, should Manchester United be willing to part with the Frenchman.
