Anthony Martial’s underwhelming career at Manchester United appears to be drawing to a close as the out-of-favour forward reportedly seeks a way out of Old Trafford.
Martial’s troubles at the Theatre of Dreams started last season when the now ex-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer decided to deploy him as a centre-forward.
The Frenchman arrived from Monaco in a big-money move back in 2015, carrying a reputation as one of the most exciting wingers in European football.
Aerial duels and physical battles have never been Martial’s strong suit, as he’s often relied on his devastating pace and dribbling to move past the defenders.
It comes as no surprise that shifting to a No9 role has not suited the 26-year-old, who has been a shadow of his former self over the past few years.
His game time has further dwindled on the back of Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Old Trafford and Jadon Sancho’s long-awaited switch from Borussia Dortmund.
Martial has registered just two Premier League starts this season, while a knee injury made him unavailable for selection following Ralf Rangnick’s arrival at the helm.
Desperate to reignite his career away from Man United, the French forward considers waving goodbye to the Theatre of Dreams in the January transfer window.
Despite his recent struggle in the Premier League, several high-profile clubs are monitoring Martial’s situation and are ready to swoop in and take him away from Manchester this winter.
#1 Sevilla
Per Spanish outlet Marca, Martial is ready to link up with hot La Liga title candidates Sevilla in the January transfer window.
Los Rojiblancos are eight points adrift of league-leaders Real Madrid, though they have a game in hand over Los Merengues, with plenty of time left to bridge the gap.
But despite their utterly impressive domestic season so far, a lack of firepower up front remains the elephant in the room.
Julen Lopetegui’s men have netted an average of just 1.66 goals per La Liga match this term, with Rafa Mir topping the club’s scoring charts with a mere five goals to his name.
Keen to halt a 17-year three-club tenure in La Liga, Sevilla will be looking to address their scoring woes in January to optimise their chances of beating Madrid to the crown.
And Martial could be the Andalusians’ prime target in the upcoming transfer window.
#2 Barcelona
Barcelona are also in the race to sign the Man United outcast this winter, particularly in light of Sergio Aguero’s shock retirement.
With the ex-Manchester City hero forced into premature retirement after being diagnosed with cardiac arrhythmia, Xavi Hernandez is desperate to land a new forward to bolster his attacking department.
Aguero’s decision to call time on his illustrious career amid health problems is only the tip of the iceberg.
The Catalans lack quality in the front third following the departures of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez as Ansu Fati continues to struggle with injuries.
Ousmane Dembele’s recurring injuries have given Barcelona a sizeable headache over the years, and the club can ill-afford to rely on his recent physical improvement.
The Spaniards are scouring the market for new attacking options and Martial has emerged as a possible low-cost solution.
However, per The Times, Man City’s Ferran Torres is on the verge of joining the Spanish heavyweights, which might affect Barcelona’s interest in Martial.
Meanwhile, Barca are assessing the prospect of bringing in another Man United misfit Edinson Cavani this winter.
#3 Juventus
Last but not least, Martial’s future could lie in Serie A, where underperforming Juventus are exploring the possibility of landing the Frenchman in January.
The record-time Italian champions are miles away from re-establishing domestic dominance since handing over the crown to Inter Milan last season.
Juventus are languishing in fifth in the standings after 19 rounds, a staggering 12 points adrift of pacesetters Inter as they look way off the title pace.
Stunned by Ronaldo’s return to Man United late in the summer, the Bianconeri have failed to recover, and a lack of ruthlessness in front of goal continues to torment head coach Massimiliano Allegri.
Juve have bagged a measly average of 1.42 goals per Serie A fixture this season, with injury-prone Paulo Dybala sitting atop the club’s scoring leaderboard with five.
Moise Kean’s return to the club on the deadline day has helped relieve some pressure off the Argentine’s shoulders, but the Italians’ scoring prowess has failed to satisfy Allegri’s appetites.
Juventus are in the market for a new forward to improve their hopes of securing a top-four finish, let alone fighting their way back into the Serie A title race.
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