Manchester United
Premier League • England
Crafty plan devised as Edu looks to steer Arsenal ahead of trio for Man Utd outcast
Arsenal are reportedly leading the chase for Anthony Martial after it emerged he is looking to leave Manchester United.
The forward – a £54m signing from Monaco back in 2015 – is seemingly set to depart Old Trafford. He’s now out of favour following the arrivals of Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho in the summer. He also has to compete with Edinson Cavani, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood for a starting spot.
The Frenchman’s agent, Philippe Lamboley, appearing on Sky Sports on Friday, now admits the player is looking to move on.
Lamboley said: “Anthony wishes to leave the club in January. He just needs to play. He doesn’t want to stay in January and I will speak to the club soon.”
His possible exit has also been given the green light by Gary Neville.
When asked if he would sell Martial, Neville said (via Metro): “I think if they can get good money for him… I probably would have said if they could have got good money for him in the summer, with the players that they’ve got, then yes I would.
“Now the time has come. I think Manchester United have always been weary of getting burnt.
“Of him leaving for £25m and then going on to become a £100m player because he is a special talent.”
Now, the Daily Mirror reports that four clubs are all vying for the signature of Martial.
They report that Newcastle, Barcelona, PSG and Arsenal are all exploring the possibility of a move.
And it seems that, of all those options, the two Premier League clubs seem the most obvious bets.
Anthony Martial transfer interest
However, a move to Newcastle would be seen as something of a calculated risk. While he would get the playing time he craves at St James’, the Magpies are currently embroiled in a fierce relegation battle.
Instead, reports claim a move to Arsenal looks the most likely outcome.
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The Gunners have a long-standing interest in Martial, having chased him in the past.
Their interest, however, remains stronger than ever with three of their strikers poised to leave in January.
Indeed, Arsenal are understood to be actively looking to sell Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette in January. Both their contracts expire in the summer and a parting of ways looks inevitable.
The Gunners are also likely to part with Folarin Balogun in January. The England U21s striker is likely to leave on loan – with three Championship suitors in the running.
Arsenal planning for Martial
The Gunners also have long-term doubts over Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. He was left out of the side to face Everton on Monday, though Mikel Arteta has denied reports of a rift.
Nonetheless, Edu reportedly has a double promise to Martial to try and convince him to sign.
Firstly, the Gunners technical director will outline his vision for Martial in the Gunners side. Alongside Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe he can be told how he can play a big part in their exciting future.
Furthermore, Arsenal have the financial means to offer Martial a lucrative financial package.
He’s on a lucrative deal at United worth an estimated £250,000 a week – a package the Gunners could look to match.
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