Pranav Nair
Transfer News: Juventus keeping tabs on Manchester United star Anthony Martial
According to La Stampa via Calcio Mercato and Sport Witness (h/t The Mirror), Manchester United star Anthony Martial has been subject to interest from Italian giants Juventus heading into the summer transfer window.
The Frenchman joined the Red Devils as a relative unknown in the summer of 2015. Despite scoring an impressive debut goal against Liverpool and promising much, he has fallen off the rails and is today another Man United star who has struggled to fulfil his potential.
He has so far made 269 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 79 goals and assisting 50 more. While the numbers are far from poor, it does not reflect a return that is expected from a starting forward for Man United.
Martial enjoyed an excellent 2019/20 campaign but has fallen off since. He is currently on loan at the Spanish side Sevilla and continues to struggle even under Julen Lopetegui. He has scored and assisted just one goal apiece in eight appearances for the Andalusian side.
However, it has done little to deter Juventus, who are keen to take the 26-year-old on loan in the summer. The Bianconeri are also keen on having an option to make the Frenchman’s stay permanent in the 2023 summer window.
Martial’s current deal at Old Trafford runs until 2024. As things stand, he has shown little to suggest that he can turn around his fortunes at the Theatre of Dreams. A parting of the ways would be the best foot forward for all parties.
Juventus are set to lose Paulo Dybala in the summer as they have been unable to reach an agreement with the Argentine regarding a new contract. This would leave a hole in their attack that needs to be filled and it comes as no surprise that they are getting Martial.
What next for Martial?
At 26, the Frenchman has age on his side to resurrect his career. While his ability is not in question, the inability to turn potential into output has been a pressing concern. It is unlikely that Man United will recoup the £36m spent on his services.
As things stand, Martial does not appear to have a future at Old Trafford and it is in our best interests to sell him. The Red Devils would be wise to push Juventus to include a mandatory buy clause that will see the player depart for Turin permanently at the end of his potential loan deal.
More Manchester United News
- Manchester United checking on Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui if they fail to sign Ajax manager Erik ten Hag
- West Ham United demand British record fee for midfielder Declan Rice as Manchester United circle for England star
- Manchester United told to pay an eye-watering signing-on fee to land Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger in the summer
With a new manager set to come in, Man United will once again hit the reset button as they look to return to the top of English football. Whether this will offer Martial another new lease of life or just sign his warrant of execution at Old Trafford remains to be seen. It will not come as a surprise if he has already played his last game in a Red Devils jersey.
