Wenger may ask for Martial as part of Sanchez deal – report

Matt Stead

Arsene Wenger could ‘explore the availability’ of Anthony Martial as part of a deal that sees Alexis Sanchez join Manchester United.

United have become the favourites to sign Sanchez this month after Manchester City dropped out of the race.

City are reluctant to go any higher than their initial £20million bid, and are unwilling to pay an extra £5m in agent’s fees.

The London Evening Standard reports that ‘United showed willing to outbid their local rivals,’ but the key could also be in their offering of a player in return.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan is believed to be the individual United would be ‘open’ to selling to Arsenal in exchange.

But James Olley claims that Wenger ‘wants to explore Anthony Martial’s availability’ as part of the deal.

It remains possible that United could strike a straight cash deal, with Arsenal wanting up to £35m for the Chilean.