Arsenal now allegedly want the Manchester United player, just as Tottenham Hotspur did before them.
According to the Mirror, Arsenal believe they can tempt Anthony Martial away from Manchester United if, as expected, Alexis Sanchez leaves the Emirates Stadium next summer. But are the Gunners making the same mistake as their North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in believing they can sign the French international?
Earlier this year, the Independent reported that Spurs had a bid for the attacker rejected and his early-season form for United has proved why Jose Mourinho was so keen to keep him at Old Trafford.
Signed for a fee that could rise to £61.5million (Sky Sports), Martial may not be a regular starter for United but he is vital for them, as his five goals and six assists already this season categorically prove.
Still only 21, Martial has years to improve and United will not want to cash in on a player who was always a long-term investment.
With a contract until 2019, Martial is far more likely to extend that than jump ship, and United would be mad to significantly strengthen a direct rival, be that Arsenal or Tottenham.
Just as Tottenham’s bid was reportedly made with a swift rejection, the Gunners can expect the same, and the only chance he will leave Old Trafford is if he allows his contract to run down.
The attacker would have been the player who could have taken Tottenham to the next level, and for that reason alone United were right to say no.
Now it seems Spurs’ fierce rivals are planning on testing the water, but they can expect the same response, because as good as Martial is now, he is going to be a darn sight better at 25!
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
