Manchester United Transfer News: Arjen Robben Eyed, Anthony Martial Imminent

In what would surely be the signing of the summer, Manchester United are reportedly considering a deadline-day swoop for Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben.

That’s according to fichajes.net (h/t George Bellshaw of Metro) which claims that a whopping fee of £73 million has been bandied around. It’s noted in the piece that Robben’s spot in the Bayern team could be under threat due to the sensational start made by Douglas Costa at the Allianz Arena, but United would be unwilling to pay the aforementioned sum.

Here’s a look at the kind of qualities the Dutchman would bring to Old Trafford:

If a deal could be done, it’d be a game-changer for United. Robben is a player who possesses genuine world-class ability and would bring the incisive cutting edge that has been so scarce at Old Trafford in the early stages of the season.

Pavel Golovkin/Associated Press

But it’s a deal that seems a fanciful proposition at this stage. Indeed, while Costa has hit the ground running at Bayern, Robben remains a critical component in Pep Guardiola’s team and with the deadline passed for German sides to bring players in this summer, there’s no chance of signing a replacement.

As noted by Squawka Football, the Dutchman endured a tough end to the previous campaign with a succession of injury problems, but he has started this term in good form:

United could certainly do with a player who would excite the Old Trafford crowd. But at this point, it’d take a major turn of events if that player was to be Robben.

One player who may provide those traits is Anthony Martial. According to Duncan Castles of ONE World Sports (h/t George Bellshaw of Metro), a deal has been finalised between Manchester United and AS Monaco for the transfer of the teenage sensation.

Lionel Cironneau/Associated Press

The piece suggested that United will pay £36.6 million up front for the 19-year-old starlet and that eventually, the total sum will amount to a staggering £58.4 million. It’s a switch that’ll make the young Frenchman the most expensive teenager in football history.

Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe took a look at what Martial will add to the United squad:

There’s no denying the youngster has all the attributes to be a world-class striker. Martial is blisteringly quick, has sound technical skills and has showcased subtle, intelligent movements which belie his tender years.

As we can see here courtesy of OptaJean, he was one of the top young goalscorers in European football’s most reputable leagues last term:

Still, it’s a transfer that represents a substantial gamble for United. The club are short of attacking options after the departures of Javier Hernandez and Adnan Januzaj, per the club's official website. This means there will be a lot of responsibility on Martial. For a 19-year-old who is still raw and relatively unproven at the highest level, that’s a lot to ask.

The fee has naturally raised plenty of question marks. For that kind of money the Red Devils could have potentially landed a thoroughbred option that’d immediately enhance their chances of silverware. By contrast, while the young Frenchman will be a major player in a couple of years, he’s not ready to assume a main role quite yet, even if it could quickly be thrust upon him.