Barcelona will battle Arsenal for Anthony Martial signing

Barcelona are “ready to challenge” Arsenal for the signature of Anthony Martial, claims The Sun, which cites Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo as its source.

The Gunners were linked with a move for the Manchester United striker last week after hearing of his frustration at his bit-part role at Old Trafford.

Relegated to the bench, the 21-year-old Martial has slipped down the pecking order and that situation will only get worse when Zlatan Ibrahimovic returns from injury in the coming weeks.

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Arsene Wenger is known to be a fan of the French frontman but the Sun reports that Barca are now tailing Martial. Since joining United from Monaco for £36million in 2015, Martial has struggled to nail down a spot in the starting line-up and it’s believed Barcelona see him as someone who could replace the ageing Lionel Messi.

Arsenal want him to replace Alexis Sanchez and according to the Sun the Gunners “may need to break the £50million barrier to land him” because of adds-on that were written into the contract when United signed him from Monaco.

Talking of Frenchman, might Olivier Giroud be used an exchange for Everton striker Ademola Lookman?

The Daily Express says that Wenger has taken a fancy to the England Under-21 star and apparently Arsenal scouts “have been tipped off that Lookman is open to leaving Goodison Park”.

Originally from London, Lookman left Charlton for Everton but hasn’t found the grass greener and Everton are allegedly ready to sell for an offer in the region of £15m. But it’s also claimed that the Toffees are open to a swap with the north London outfit, sending Lookman packing while taking Giroud in exchange.

The Merseyside club were linked with a move for Giroud in the summer and although nothing materialised they are still said to be interested.