Arsenal could benefit from Manchester United's transfer decisions with Erik ten Hag's men looking for a new forward. Having terminated the contract of Cristiano Ronaldo in December, United turned to the surprising figure of Wout Weghorst.
The Dutch international is far from a long-term plan for the Red Devils though and the Manchester Evening News writes that firm plans are in place to look for a new striker. In the immediate sense this isn't of much concern to Arsenal.
United are eight points adrift of the top having played a game more and the Gunners only recently got one over their historical rivals in the dramatic 3-2 victory two weeks ago. However that doesn't mean there couldn't be some serious transfer overlap moving forward.
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Arsenal have been linked with a new forward themselves despite signing Leandro Trossard from Brighton in January. Eddie Nketiah has done a fine job at leading the line in Gabriel Jesus' absence but the feeling still lingers that another No.9 is needed. Jesus, though a vital point of attack, only scored five goals before the World Cup.
His impact has been felt elsewhere via creativity and space creation but the goals have dried up for Gabriel Martinelli in recent weeks and he has failed to score in a first half all season. It's a tiny hole to pick for Arsenal, who have been close to flawless this far in, but their centre forward options may be looked at once more.
United may be able to help them out here. It is reported that Frenchman Anthony Martial is up for sale at Old Trafford as funds and space for a new striker are created. The 27-year-old has struggled for fitness but still has eight goal involvements despite his lack of minutes. As a seasoned Premier League player at this point he could come onto the map for Mikel Arteta.
The player himself has also previously expressed his secret admiration for two Arsenal forwards of the past. Speaking in 2018 Martial said: “I always followed English football. Manchester United because Patrice Evra was there and he comes from the same town as me.
"I followed Arsenal as Thierry Henry was there, also from Les Ulis. For my French heroes, I had Thierry Henry, of course, and then Zinedine Zidane, Zizou. They were the best. I admired strikers, No.10s.
“Another player who I really liked was Nicolas Anelka. He was a really great player, quick with loads of skill.”
It is not uncommon for French players and young forwards to be lovers of Henry's work and the early signs of Martial were Henry-like with his speed, positioning and finishing into the far post. With a contract expiring in 2024 and the player seemingly on his way out of United, the Gunners have already been told where he stands.
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