Arsenal seem to be eyeing a Manchester United forward, with reports of Arsene Wenger ready to pay £40 million to land Anthony Martial in the summer.
According to a report from Daily Mail, Arsenal may be about to make a stunning move for a Manchester United forward. Anthony Martial is being eyed by Arsene Wenger, who could sanction a sensational £40 million move for the Frenchman if they fail in the pursuit of Kylian Mbappe.
Anthony Martial’s career has seen the highest of highs and perhaps a considerable low point as well in his short two-year span at Old Trafford. Brought in a record deal for a teenager, the player ended his debut season as the club’s highest goalscorer, capturing the imagination of everyone with his performances in England.
However, the player was unable to convince new manager, Jose Mourinho of his viability in the starting eleven, which saw the Frenchman play a rotational role in the first-team setup at Old Trafford, much to the unhappiness of many pundits and fans.
Anthony Martial has been directly involved in 25 Premier League goals since 2015/16; more than any other Man Utd player.
15 ⚽️
10 ?️ pic.twitter.com/qGVkHU7fMw— Squawka Football (@Squawka) June 25, 2017
The 21-year-old, though, finally seemed to have convinced the Portuguese, who opted to afford more playing time to the attacker in the absence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. However, United are now set to reinforce their squad in the summer, with Alvaro Morata and Ivan Perisic touted to be potential arrivals at the club.
While Morata will likely take Zlatan’s place in the squad, Perisic would increase the competition for the wing places, something which may push Martial to consider a future away from the club. The player, though, may not have to look too far for a potential new home, with Arsenal eyeing a move for the Frenchman.
Arsenal look intent on signing Kylian Mbappe in the summer. The Monaco hitman, though, seems to have made Real Madrid his priority and may end up signing for Los Blancos. Arsene Wenger has, thus, instead added Martial to his wishlist and are ready to launch an audacious to move to acquire the 21-year-old.
Indeed, Wenger has earlier dealt with wide forwards in his career, forging the careers of Thierry Henry and Robin Van Persie, a background that may help him in securing Martial’s signature. Martial, though, is yet to show signs of frustration at Old Trafford.
The player has two years left on his United deal with an option for another year and seems happy with his life at the club, despite lesser playing time. Alternatively, he is still 21 and such a second season may really define the player, who can now see he has to develop magnanimously to be reckoned among the best of footballers.
Jose Mourinho is known to be a stickler for discipline but has also shown to be rewarding for players who put their head down and work hard to earn his trust – Marcus Rashford being the shining example of such a case.
Martial has worked his way back into the Portuguese’s plans and a strong start to the new season could really change Mourinho’s perspective of the 21-year-old French international.
Still, Arsenal may test United’s resolve in the summer, something which is unlikely to bear fruit unless Perisic arrives and Martial is deemed surplus to requirements by the club.
