Transfer News: Atletico Madrid plotting Anthony Martial swoop

Atletico Madrid are reportedly set to make a fresh attempt to land Manchester United outcast Anthony Martial in the January transfer window.

According to Eurosport, La Liga champions Atletico Madrid have set their sights on Anthony Martial. The Manchester United forward has emerged as one of the top targets for Diego Simeone, who is keen on bolstering his offensive options.

Atletico believe they can land Martial in the upcoming January transfer window. They are expected to launch an attempt to explore the possibility of the move and are even willing to snap him up in a potential swap deal.

It could be a promising prospect for Manchester United, who are reportedly in the market for Kieran Trippier. In fact, the Englishman is one of their top January targets as new coach Ralf Rangnick looks to add competition for Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

It remains to be seen whether Atletico Madrid are keen on offloading the right-back, though, given that they have struggled in his absence through injury this season. His alternative, Sime Vrsaljko, has failed to deliver the goods in the final third, while Simeone’s tendency to deploy Marcos Llorente in the same position has resulted in a loss of solidity at the back.

What next for Martial? (Picture Courtesy - AFP/Getty Images)
What next for Martial? (Picture Courtesy – AFP/Getty Images)

That said, the possibility of signing Martial could force Los Colchoneros to reconsider. While the club boasts the services of the highly-experienced Luis Suarez and Antoine Griezmann, both of them are mere shadows of their former selves. In addition, Atletico’s summer arrival in Matheus Cunha has not hit the ground running either, while Joao Felix has been linked with a January move to England.

This is where Martial could prove to be an excellent option for Atleti. With over 260 competitive appearances for Manchester United, the Frenchman offers vast experience at the highest level of football. His pace, dynamism and goalscoring prowess also makes him an appealing target for Simeone.

However, Manchester United won’t be all too keen on offloading their star player on a cut-price deal. Perhaps more importantly, Atletico Madrid are set to face stiff competition from Newcastle United in the pursuit of the former AS Monaco starlet.

The reigning La Liga champions may have to use the leverage of Trippier if they are to sign him in January. Simeone is already eyeing right-backs in the market, with Real Madrid target Pedro Porro among one of the Argentine’s desired options. So it could only be a matter of time before Atletico Madrid and Manchester United raise the possibility of a swap deal involving Martial and Trippier next month.

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