Arsenal and Chelsea have been given a boost in their pursuit of Anthony Martial, after his agent admitted he is “very pessimistic” over Manchester United’s chances of finalising a new long-term contract for the forward.
United have triggered Martial’s one-year option to keep him at the club until the summer of 2020.
The 23-year-old’s current deal had been due to expire at the end of the season, but the Red Devils now have a further 12 months in which to sell or agree a new contract with the player.
Martial’s agent, Philippe Lamboley, claimed in the summer that the France international wanted to leave Old Trafford, following months of failed contract negotiations.
Both Chelsea and Arsenal have been monitoring Martial’s situation, but United’s hierarchy refused to sell in the summer, despite Jose Mourinho being open to letting the forward leave.
RMC Sport now reports that United decided to trigger Martial’s 12-month extension two months ago, but opted against officially announcing the decision.
United have been attempting to get Martial to sign a new five-year contract, but Lamboley admits the club are “far from an agreement”.
“I am very pessimistic about a positive outcome of the discussions,” Lamboley told RMC Sport.
“They’ve already made several offers that do not meet our expectations.
“We are far from an agreement for the time being.”
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