Anthony Martial's Agent Mocks Arsene Wenger for Failure to Sign United Star

In case Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger wasn't already regretting a lack of summer business, the agent of Manchester United star Anthony Martial has teased the Gunners boss for not signing the forward himself.

Martial's representative Philippe Lamboley has responded to Wenger's comments the attacker operates best as a winger and not a striker, per French radio station RMC (via Metro's George Bellshaw):

"

Anthony is a true modern centre-forward who can play a part. 

I am surprised by the analysis of Arsene Wenger, who has apparently been following him since he was a teenager.

If the analysis Arsene Wenger has made is in order to justify not having signed Anthony, I accept he is a winger. But in football, there are those who follow players and those who buy them.

"

Former Monaco manager Wenger had previously proclaimed "we have known him since he was a kid," per Metro's Louis Sealey, but asserted the Gunners had sufficient options out wide.

Three weeks into Martial's Manchester United career, and it seems likely the French tactician will be forced to admit his error after seeing the £36 million teenager score four goals in his first four games for the Red Devils.

Jon Super/Associated Press

Meanwhile, Arsenal have been left to struggle with their options up front after seeing Danny Welbeck ruled out until Christmas through injury, with Theo Walcott now the club's first-choice striker.

Prior to Wednesday's 2-1 north London derby win over Tottenham Hotspur in the League Cup, Wenger admitted Olivier Giroud now has greater competition for a starting place, according to John Cross of the Mirror:

"

With Olivier Giroud, it is a competition with Walcott. When one plays people always ask, 'Why did you not play the other one?' When you have two top-level strikers, some games Giroud plays and some games Walcott plays. Nobody anymore can play 60 games per season.

What we want to do is make the right decision for the right game. Giroud is a guy who has a positive attitude, who is ready to have a go. He is a very strong man and, with his back to the wall, Giroud can always respond. I think he has assets in the game.

"

Many were left scratching their heads as to why Arsenal failed to sign even one senior outfield player, particularly as it was supposed striking reinforcements were needed, even with Welbeck fit.

Martial's triumphant start to life in England will only have rubbed further salt in the manager's wound, with former Old Trafford ace David Beckham telling Sky Sports of his admiration for the starlet:

Lamboley's comments of course hint at Arsenal's reluctance to spend money in large quantities, something United have certainly had no issue with since Louis van Gaal took over their helm in 2014.

The Dutchman is unsurprisingly impressed with what he's seen of young Martial so far, per Squawka, with three of the former Monaco prospect's goals coming in his two Premier League outings:

One thing upon which both United and Arsenal fans will certainly agree is that Martial looks utilised best as a striker, with his clinical composure proving Wenger's years of scouting may have been for nought.

Gunners supporters can only hope their helmsman has more luck in identifying future prospects, lest this be a sign the club's transfer policy could do with some substantial improvement.