Arsenal have reportedly emerged as one of the frontrunners to sign Manchester United attacker Anthony Martial, as he eyes an exit in the January transfer window.
The Frenchman, 26, wants to leave Old Trafford after falling down the attack pecking order this season, his agent Philippe Lamboley told Sky Sports on Friday. He has appeared only 10 times in all competitions for the Red Devils this season, scoring one goal.
According to the Daily Mirror, Arsenal are among four clubs that could look to sign Anthony Martial from Manchester United. The Gunners could offload a couple of players and free up funds to bag the 26-year-old’s signature, the report adds.
With Cristiano Ronaldo leading the Manchester United attack, Edinson Cavani providing a skilled alternative in the centre-forward role and Mason Greenwood claiming his stake with a wonderful goal in the 1-1 Champions League draw with Young Boys on Wednesday, the French international is ready to embark on a new challenge elsewhere.
Anthony Martial to Arsenal – A good attacking option for Mikel Arteta?
Arsenal’s struggles in front of goal have been clear for everyone to see this season, with Mikel Arteta’s side managing only 18 goals in 15 games.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is enduring a slump of form this term, while the Gunners are set to lose both Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Mikel Arteta simply cannot rely on his current options for a regular supply of goals and must bring in a centre-forward this window. And Anthony Martial could be the answer to the north London club’s goal-scoring problems.
Martial joined Manchester United from Ligue 1 outfit AS Monaco in September 2015, becoming the most expensive teenager in world football at that time.
Since enjoying a solid debut season with the Red Devils, in which he netted 17 goals across all competitions, the French forward has struggled with consistency and injury problems. He has registered 79 goals and 50 assists in 268 appearances for Manchester United to date.
While his numbers might not seem particularly impressive, Martial can thrive in Arteta’s system at Arsenal. His versatility to operate off the left and through the middle as a no.9 would give Arsenal’s attack flexibility, whilst making him a potential long-term replacement for Lacazette.
The French international’s hold-up play, coupled with the creativity of players like Martin Odegaard, Emile Smith Rowe, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, could certainly add more flair and dynamism to the Gunners attack.
With Martial keen to leave Old Trafford for regular game time, Arsenal must take advantage of the situation and try signing him in January.