SANTA CLARA — Anthony Martial faces a battle to leave Manchester United this summer with the club adamant they will not sell, sources have told ESPN FC.
The Frenchman, according to sources, wants a move away from Old Trafford after finding first-team opportunities limited following the arrival of Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal in January.
However, sources close to the club insist they are not under any pressure to cash in on Martial and do not want to lose him during this window.
Martial has one year left on his contract with United holding an option to extend by another 12 months, effectively keeping the 22-year-old tied down until at least 2020.
Sources have told ESPN FC that talks over a new five-year deal have stalled since the turn of the year, when Jose Mourinho sanctioned a move for Sanchez, forcing Martial to settle for a bit-part role for the final four months of the season.
Martial has also shelved plans to buy a house in Manchester while the uncertainty surrounding his long-term future continues, according to sources.
He has been linked with moves to Juventus, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, although sources insist United have not received an official offer.
In June, Martial’s agent, Philippe Lamboley, said the former Monaco forward had already decided to leave.
“After thinking about all the factors and possibilities, Anthony wants to leave Manchester United,” he told RMC Sport.
“Everyone will have their opinion but I think he needs to resume his career. The time has come.”
Be the first to comment