Transfer News: Arsenal show interest in Manchester United striker Anthony Martial
According to Football.London, Arsenal have registered their interest to sign Manchester United striker Anthony Martial ahead of the closing stages of the January transfer window. The Frenchman has struggled for playtime this season and is keen to leave the club this month.
To everyone’s surprise, there was a recent clash of words between Ralf Rangnick and Martial following the 2-2 draw against Aston Villa in the Premier League. Rangnick revealed that the forward did not want to join up with the matchday squad, to which the latter responded by claiming that he would never disrespect the club or the fans through such a decision.
Sevilla were monitoring the striker’s situation at Old Trafford but, they could neither match the 26-year-old’s salary nor the loan fee demanded by Man United. The Gunners are looking to add more options to their frontline given that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nicolas Pepe are currently at the Africa Cup of Nations.
What action will Man Utd take?
The Frenchman’s situation could potentially de-evolve into a toxic scenario because of the major public “feud” with the German manager. As such, the Red Devils have to take a quick decision regarding his future to prevent this incident from blowing up.
The interest from the Spanish club would have been the best solution if they could have fulfilled the Man United attacker’s entire wages while providing us with a decent loan fee as well. Unfortunately, that is not the case, so we have to wait for other clubs to make an offer in the winter transfer window.
Selling him to Arsenal could prove counterproductive for is in the race for the top four. The Gunners have emerged as genuine contenders for a top-four berth and selling them Martial will strengthen Mikel Arteta’s hand. Even if they agree to pay his full salary and give us a decent fee, it should not come at the cost of us risking a Champions League berth.
More Manchester United News
- Manchester United could be rivalled for the appointment of PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino as permanent manager next season
- Newcastle United looking to beat West Ham United to the signing of out-of-contract Manchester United ace Jesse Lingard in January
- Ex-Manchester United star Roy Keane tells interim manager Ralf Rangnick he must build the team around 3 players
There is always the possibility of a permanent transfer, but it would not make sense for Mikel Arteta’s side to take such a risk for someone who has not been at his best for a while now. A loan switch makes more sense as Aubameyang and Pepe will eventually return. There is no reason for Arsenal to go big on landing Martial permanently this January.
The likes of Newcastle United are in the market for good players and it remains to be seen if they will make a punt for Martial. Given the unrest in the Man United squad, it makes sense for the club to move him on before things turn ugly.
