Transfer Rumour: Arsenal set to launch £50 million move for Manchester United forward Anthony Martial

Arsenal are reportedly set to make a sensational £50 million bid to sign Anthony Martial from Manchester United.

According to a report in The Sun, Arsenal consider Anthony Martial as the perfect replacement for Alexis Sanchez, who is likely to depart from the Emirates at the end of the season. The Gunners are, therefore, set to make a £50 million move for the Manchester United forward.

Martial has endured a topsy turvy time throughout his spell at Manchester United. Having joined from AS Monaco on deadline day in the summer of 2015, the player quickly established himself as a key figure at Old Trafford in his debut season.

However, a tough second season followed as he struggled to remain a regular fixture in the starting lineup with majority of the outings coming from the bench.

As a result, he could only produce an underwhelming return of eight goals and as many assists last season. With the second season syndrome striking the Frenchman, his future became a subject of intense speculation this past summer.

But, the player has started the 2017-18 season with a bang, with five goals and six assists in just nine appearances – a direct contribution to a goal every 34 minutes. Having kicked off the campaign on a strong note, his stock seems to be rising again, and Arsenal are set to make a move for the France international.

The Gunners are currently in a precarious situation, with the future of Alexis Sanchez up in the air. The Chilean was rumoured to be on the move in the summer, but the North London club managed to retain him beyond the transfer deadline.

However, with no movements whatsoever on a renewal, Sanchez looks set to depart from the club, either in January or next summer, with the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and even Manchester United interested.

Arsenal, thus, seem to have started planning for life after Sanchez, and Martial has emerged as a top target for Arsene Wenger. The Arsenal boss is, in fact, known to be a long-time admirer of the player’s talents, having tried to sign him previously as well, and considers him as the perfect replacement for Sanchez.

The move for Martial, though, will cost the Gunners at least £50 million. While the player does seem to be enjoying himself at Manchester United once again, the switch to Arsenal will enable him to start regularly.

But, the Red Devils are likely to be reluctant to let go of the player, and it remains to be seen if a shock move sees the light of the day.