Reports: Atlético target Anthony Martial as Antoine Griezmann replacement

You can add another name to the ever-expanding list of possible Antoine Griezmann replacements should Atlético Madrid’s #7 decide to depart: Manchester United’s Anthony Martial.

A report from French outlet RMC, expanded upon by Miguel Delaney in the Independent, says that Martial has rejected a contract renewal offer from the Red Devils and wishes to leave this summer. The France international has played the full 90 minutes just once in the past two months, further contributing to frustrations over a lack of minutes. As a result, his relationship with José Mourinho has worsened considerably. While Delaney reports that actually Martial would prefer to stay, it seems Mourinho has other ideas — he doesn’t seem to believe the 22-year-old applies himself consistently, setting the stage for a bidding war over the young striker.

Atlético, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain are named as Martial’s suitors if his situation grows more toxic. United are apparently willing to do a deal for around €68 million — which represents a solid profit on a player they paid an initial €40m to acquire from Monaco.

A potential fit with Atlético seems obvious. Martial’s speed, dribbling, directness and versatility make him a clear candidate to succeed international teammate Griezmann. Atleti would probably need to drive down the price a bit closer to €60m, and it’s worth noting that players unable or unwilling to give their all do not succeed in a Diego Simeone-coached team. But on paper, it might prove hard to do much better than this in terms of bringing in an external replacement for Griezmann — assuming he does go, the price is right and so on.