Atletico Madrid Looking To Sign Manchester United's $38M Star In An Exchange Deal: Reports

KEY POINTS

Anthony Martial has played only 10 games this season
He has started only two league games for Man Utd
Martial is contracted with Man Utd until 2024

Atletico Madrid are reportedly exploring an exchange deal that would see them secure Manchester United forward Anthony Martial.

Atletico Madrid will approach Manchester United with an official proposal toward the end of December in a bid to land Martial during the January transfer window, reported Eurosport. However, International Business Times could not verify it independently.

The report has not revealed the name of the player that Atletico would offer the Red Devils in the swap deal for Martial, who has fallen down in the pecking order at Manchester United.

Martial has made up his mind about leaving Old Trafford in January, the Frenchman's representative Philippe Lamboley, who is the executive director of USFA Management, has confirmed.

"Anthony wishes to leave the club in January. He just needs to play. He doesn't want to stay in January and I will speak to the club soon," Lamboley told Sky News.

Martial has made only 10 appearances for Manchester United in the 2021-22 season. While he was in the squad in the Premier League 11 times, he managed to play only seven games. Martial has started only two league games this season, while he has been an unused substitute on four occasions in the league.

The France national moved from Monaco to Manchester United in 2015. As per the new deal Martial signed with the Red Devils in 2019, the forward is contracted with them until 2024 with an option to extend by a year. Martial's current market value is around $38 million, according to Transfermarkt.

Anthony Martial of Manchester United controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League group F match between Villarreal CF and Manchester United at Estadio de la Ceramica on November 23, 2021 in Villarreal, Spain. Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images

It is still unclear if Manchester United will allow Martial to leave in January. In a recent interview, the club's interim manager Ralf Rangnick rubbished the former's departure rumors.

"I don't communicate with agents via the media and press. The player hasn't spoken with me or us about it. After the final training session before the Crystal Palace game, after having trained with the team, he informed the doctor and the medical department that he would not be available because the pain in his knee is too big. We have to wait and see," Rangnick said in the interview, Teamtalk reported.