Chelsea Transfer News: Blues Eye Anthony Martial in Latest Rumours

Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Manchester United forward Anthony Martial this summer.

According to Dominic Fifield of the Guardian, the Blues are considering making a swoop for the France international amid concerns Real Madrid will move for Eden Hazard at the end of the campaign.

"United's instinct will be to retain the forward ... but, if Martial pushes for a move, they may not be averse to selling, even to a divisional rival," the report noted. "The clubs negotiated Nemanja Matic's move to Old Trafford last summer, and Jose Mourinho retains an interest in the Chelsea forward, Willian."

It's added that while Chelsea are hopeful Hazard will sign a new contract in the summer, they view Martial as a player with "considerable potential." It's also reported Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus are interested in the 22-year-old, with the latter willing to pay £45 million for him.

Liam Twomey of ESPN FC believes Chelsea should be in for Martial, although he said he struggles to see this one coming off:

Martial's third year at Old Trafford has been a curious one, having made just 17 starts in the Premier League this season.

In those appearances, he has showcased flashes of raw brilliance. Martial can ghost past opponents as if they aren't there, stride away from defenders with his searing speed and often makes the right decision on the ball when he gets into dangerous positions.

Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

Yet he's been pushed to the fringes this term. In his preferred position, advanced on the left flank, Mourinho has Alexis Sanchez and Marcus Rashford to call upon at the moment, meaning Martial has had to make do with a role on the bench.

Still, he's made a difference when he has been on the field. As noted by the Full Time Devils Twitter account, he made an impact off the bench in the win over Arsenal on Sunday:

At Chelsea, there's potential for a summer of major upheaval. Per Fifield, manager Antonio Conte's future is said to be under major scrutiny, while the prospect of no UEFA Champions League football at Stamford Bridge next year will also be a concern.

If Madrid come in for Hazard, that would potentially be an issue. While the Blues have him tied down until 2020, the chance to move to Real would be tantalising for the Belgium international.

Commentator Ian Darke reckons he's indispensable:

Martial has all the attributes required to go to the top of the game, but the only way he'll get there is by playing consistently. At the moment at United, it doesn't appear as though the requisite minutes will be afforded to him.

Chelsea would be an intriguing destination, especially if Hazard were to move on. If a club spends big on Martial to bring him in and makes the young Frenchman a key part of the attacking setup, then you feel as though he will be worth every penny eventually.