Inter Milan are reportedly looking at the possibility of signing Anthony Martial from Manchester United on a free transfer next summer.
Among the plethora of problems surrounding Manchester United, they have another one to deal with – Anthony Martial’s contract situation. According to Calciomercato the French forward is a target for Inter Milan, who will look to snap him up, if he becomes a free agent next summer.
Anthony Martial’s future at Manchester United has been called into question since the beginning of last season. Over the last couple of months, the Frenchman has been a player picked only occasionally by manager Jose Mourinho and is yet to cement his place as a starter so far this term.
There were some reports back in the summer that Manchester United might want to offer a long-term deal to the 22-year-old, but since then news on that front has largely been quiet. As of now, Martial would be free to leave Old Trafford on a free at the end of the season, unless the Premier League heavyweights trigger the one-year extension option in his contract.
As for his suitors, Inter Milan are seemingly interested in bringing the Frenchman to San Siro. Inter have had their sights set on Martial for a while now, having previously attempted to use Manchester United’s interest in Ivan Perisic to swoop the Frenchman away from Old Trafford.
Earlier, when Manchester United were on the trails of Inter Milan winger Perisic, the Italian club had sounded out the possibility of a deal involving Martial. However, any chance of getting Martial was scuppered by United’s high asking price for the forward, which coincided with Inter’s recent financial struggle.
But, free agency would appeal to Inter who, despite signing Matteo Politano and Keita Balde Diao in the summer have struggled in attack. The Nerazzurri believe Martial could provide them with a different dimension in attack and in the case of him signing on as a free agent, they might be able to pay the necessary wages the player might demand.
However, Inter Milan are not the only suitors, as there might be substantial interest from Premier League clubs, as Arsenal and Tottenham were linked with a switch for Martial in the summer. Elsewhere, Bayern Munich and Juventus are also monitoring his situation at Manchester United.
What happens before the summer would be crucial. Manchester United might not want to lose a player who still has excellent value in the current market. That, and his performances going forward for United might dictate the need for a new contract.
Manchester United though, might still trigger the one-year extension option in Martial’s contract to preserve some of his value, should the two parties remain at odds over a new deal. The ball seems to be in the court of Martial, who might look to weigh up his options if he does not get enough playing time at the club this season.
