Where next for Anthony Martial? Sevilla, Monaco and Newcastle all in for United's wantaway Frenchman
- Sean Fisher
- 27 December 2021
Ralf Rangnick has confirmed Anthony Martial's desire to move on from Old Trafford, but could the Frenchman be linking up with his former club in January, or is a Premier League switch more likely?
Anthony Martial arrived at Old Trafford in 2015 as a relatively unknown talent. But that was no longer the case just days later when he scored on his debut against Liverpool. Ever since, he's struggled to live up to expectations.
Never really sure if he was best deployed on the left wing or as a centre-forward, Martial simply didn't deliver the numbers expected of a Manchester United No. 9. The fact that both Edinson Cavani and Cristiano Ronaldo were brought in tells you all you need to know about Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's faith in his finishing.
As a result, he's fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford to the point where he is sometimes not even an option on the bench. Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick recently confirmed to the press that the Frenchman is eager to seal a move, so Planet Sport takes a look at his most likely suitors in January.
Sevilla
After Martial's wantaway status was confirmed by the club and manager, the odds of him joining Spanish side Sevilla were immediately slashed.
So far, much of their success this season has been due to their superb defence. Their 13 goals conceded ranks first in La Liga. But a striker is much-needed in January, as they've only put the ball in the net 29 times this season, the fifth-most in the division.
Juventus
They've climbed their way back into fifth, but are a startling 12 points off Inter Milan at the top of the tree. With just 27 goals scored this season they'll need to address the striker situation in January, and Martial seems an obvious target.
Monaco
Also in the hunt for Martial's signature is the club who first sold the then-teenager to Manchester United for a whopping £36million back in 2015.
Bookies have definitely been spooked by the French club sniffing around and are offering 9/1 on a return.
Paris Saint-Germain
Going from training with Ronaldo to Lionel Messi doesn't sound too bad, does it. Well, with Kylian Mbappe set to depart the Parisian giants in the summer, a new striker will be on the shopping list, and Martial is available at a cut price.
West Ham
Martial may not have been at United when David Moyes was in charge, but he could be tempted to join the Scotsman at West Ham and show the Red Devils what they're missing.
The Hammers have been superb under Moyes' leadership, and are currently challenging for a Champions League berth.
Michail Antonio has been central to their success, spearheading the side with six goals this season. But with barely any depth up top, West Ham will be keen to reinforce their striking department over January.
Most clubs will be keen to hold on to their players over the festive period, so Martial's current situation could make it one of the more simpler transfers to get over the line.
And, having seen the impact West Ham had on reviving Jesse Lingard's career, Martial could be tempted to follow suit. With the prospect of playing in the Champions League next season and the Irons currently above United in the table, it might even be viewed as a step up.
Despite being favourites for his signature at the start of December, his odds have drifted to 12/1 for an east London switch.
Newcastle United
Newcastle United have been linked with nearly every player in world soccer over the last few months, but a move for Martial is one of the more realistic possibilities and a good price at 15/2.
Eddie Howe has only got Callum Wilson and an out-of-form Joelinton to rely on up front as he tries to guide the Magpies to safety, so a move for a striker is definitely on the cards.
With Allan Saint-Maximin starring for the Magpies, a potential partnership with his compatriot would surely excite the Newcastle faithful.
However, while Newcastle can certainly now match any club financially, the risk for any player joining in January is that they face the prospect of almost immediate relegation.
But having sat on the bench for the last few months, it would be a chance for Martial to put himself in the shop window at the very least. And, who knows, he could even become an instant Geordie hero by leading the Magpies out of the mire.
Arsenal
Another Premier League club in the running for Martial is Arsenal, who may be in the market for a new striker after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was stripped of the club captaincy.
The Gabonese striker's public shaming for commitment issues looks to be the beginning of the end for his time at the club.
That opens up a space for Martial, whose style fits the way that Arsenal play under Mikel Arteta. A strike partnership with fellow French forward Alexandre Lacazette, should he stay, would also appeal.
Manchester United may demand a higher fee to sell to a direct rival, but if both Arsenal and Martial push for the move, their hand may be forced.
Priced at a very juicy 20/1 if you see Martial as the Auba replacement.
