Arsenal fail with opening bid for Anthony Martial?

Manchester United are reported to have knocked back an opening bid from Arsenal for French winger Anthony Martial. The 21-year-old has been identified as a potential replacement for Alexis Sanchez at the Emirates.

Martial has been in a purple patch for United this term, contributing five goals and five assists in their unbeaten run across all competitions.

According to TransferMarketWeb via The Express, the Gunners have failed with an initial approach for Martial, who is seen as a like for like replacement for Sanchez.

Sanchez, 28, has just eight months left on his existing Emirates deal, and the Chilean looks certain to leave the Gunners between January and the end of the season.

The source has not defined the overall value of the failed move, but the Gunners will definitely have to beat their transfer record in order to lure Martial from Old Trafford.

Jose Mourinho has previously played hardball over negotiations with Arsenal - especially with Demba Ba at Chelsea, and he could maintain a similar stance on Martial.