Manchester United are prepared to sell Anthony Martial this summer but will demand a £75million transfer fee from suitors Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham, according to reports.
The Frenchman’s agent made it clear that he wants to leave Old Trafford this summer, though the club were initially adamant that he would not be allowed to go – least of all to a Premier League rival.
Jose Mourinho has always been willing to sacrifice Martial, and Metro understands that, while the club are now willing to back their manager’s decision, they will also insist on a ‘first refusal’ clause.
Now The Mirror are reporting that United have also set their asking price for Martial, and want an enormous £75m should he leave – more than they paid Monaco to sign him.
That is believed to be beyond Tottenham’s spending power, while it would make Martial Chelsea’s record signing should they agree to United’s terms.
The Red Devils still hope to convince Martial to extend his contract and remain at the club, and will be far from disappointed if their massive asking price puts off suitors.
Martial’s agent, Philippe Lamboley, explained the winger’s desire to leave to RMC last week, saying: ‘After thinking about all the possibilities and scenarios, Anthony wants to leave Manchester United.
‘There are many scenarios. For now, it’s premature to talk about it. Anthony will speak later to explain all of this. Manchester United want to extend Anthony’s contract and do not want him to leave, but we have not been able to find an agreement for several months.
‘I think that when Manchester United, which is the most powerful club in the world it must be remembered, do not find an agreement in eight months of negotiations, it is because they do not really want to make him an important member of the team.