Barcelona are reportedly in discussions with Manchester United over a potential swap deal involving Ousmane Dembele and Anthony Martial.
Ousmane Dembele, 24, is set to become a free agent at the end of the season after failing to agree on a new deal with Barcelona. Despite signing Ferran Torres from Manchester City, the Catalan club boss Xavi Hernandez wants to make further attacking reinforcements for a strong second half of the season.
According to Spanish outlet ARA, Barcelona have approached Manchester United with a swap deal plan that would see Ousmane Dembele move to Old Trafford this month with Anthony Martial heading the other direction on loan until the end of the season.
Anthony Martial, 26, has made it clear that he wishes to leave the club in this window for regular playing time amidst interest from Sevilla. This has alerted Barcelona, who are ready to offer contract rebel Dembele in a swap deal. However, it remains to be seen whether or not the Red Devils would be open to such a proposal from the Catalan giants.
Anthony Martial to Barcelona – A shrewd move by the Blaugrana?
Anthony Martial has struggled for game time this season, managing only seven Premier League appearances to date. The blockbuster return of Cristiano Ronaldo and the arrival of Jadon Sancho in the summer have pushed the Frenchman down the attacking pecking order at Old Trafford.
Barcelona 'in talks' over Anthony Martial swap-deal #mufc https://t.co/CKBz8YXg4J pic.twitter.com/SEibsWynpp
— Man United News (@ManUtdMEN) January 3, 2022
And having failed to break into interim manager Ralf Rangnick’s plans, the forward has made it clear that he wants an exit before the January transfer window slams shut. Barcelona are hoping to capitalise on Martial’s situation by signing him on loan for the remainder of the season, as Xavi Hernandez looks to add another forward to his ranks following the untimely retirement of Sergio Aguero.
With Memphis Depay, Ansu Fati and Martin Braithwaite out injured, Xavi has been left with Luuk de Jong as the only out-and-out striker in his squad. Even after Ferran Torres’ arrival from Manchester City, Barcelona could do well with another forward and Martial would fit the bill perfectly.
Martial would give Barcelona the flexibility in attack due to his ability to play out wide and through the middle. He is a technically gifted striker who likes to have the ball at his feet, dribble past players and make space for his teammates to exploit. The ex-AS Monaco man is strong at hold-up play and bringing his fellow attackers in the game.
Quick and nimble, the French international can link up well with creative players in the final third of the pitch, and considering the young talents Barcelona have at the moment, he could thrive up top under Xavi. When Depay recovers from injury, Martial could potentially form a good partnership with the Dutchman at Camp Nou.
A swap deal involving Dembele and Martial looks to be complicated at the moment, but the move would make sense for both Barcelona and Manchester United. All in all, it would represent a sensible move if the Catalan club manages to bring in Martial this month.