Anthony Martial’s club desperate to get rid of him amid talks over surprise move

Anthony Martial is no longer wanted at AEK Athens (Picture: Getty Images)

AEK Athens are desperate to sell Anthony Martial but it is not proving easy as the former Manchester United forward is not willing to let go of his chunky salary in Greece.

The 29-year-old left Old Trafford last year after nine years with the Red Devils, which saw him make 317 appearances and score 90 goals.

The France international’s legacy at Manchester United is difficult to pin down as he had bright points – including scoring 23 goals in the 2019/20 season – but many underwhelming spells as well and his stint at the club ultimately felt disappointing.

Having joined Manchester United from Monaco in 2015 for an initial £36m, he left last year on a free transfer and was signed up by AEK Athens.

His first season with the Greek side saw him scored nine goals in 23 appearances across all competitions, but now AEK have had enough of him.

French publication Foot Mercato report that AEK have wanted to get rid of Martial since May, disappointed with his performances and injury record.

He is also earning a salary of €2.5m (£2.16m), which his club do not feel he is justifying and the striker has been handed just one appearance so far this season.

Martial has held talks over a move to Mexico (Picture: Getty Images)

With transfer windows closing around the world the possible destinations for the Frenchman are few and far between at this stage, but there do remain possibilities.

AEK have reportedly been in touch with a string of clubs in Mexico to try and strike a deal, with AS reporting that Pumas UNAM have held talks with the player.

There is a serious sticking point, though, as Pumas will not be matching the salary Martial earns in Greece and the player does not wish to take a pay-cut.

Pumas have already made one eye-catching signing this summer by bringing in former Arsenal and Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey.

Aaron Ramsey joined Pumas in July (Picture: Getty Images)

The transfer window in Mexico remains open until September 12, so time is running up for AEK to strike an agreement with any Liga MX club over their unwanted forward.

There are other transfer windows still open, including the Turkish Super Lig and Saudi Pro League.

The window closes in Türkiye on September 12 and in Saudi Arabia on September 23.

Martial did not live up to expectations at Old Trafford (Picture: Getty Images)

Martial may not have been universally popular among Manchester United supporters, but he penned an emotional message when he left the club last year.

He wrote: ‘Dear Manchester United fans. It’s with great emotion that I write to you today to say goodbye.

‘After nine incredible years at the club, the time has come for me to turn a new page in my career.

‘Since I arrived in 2015, I have had the immense honour of wearing this shirt and playing in front of you, the best supporters in the world! You have been an unwavering support, through the good times and the difficult. Your passion and loyalty have been a constant source of motivation for me.

‘I’d like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you’ve done for me. Your songs, your encouragement and your love for the club are memories that will remain engraved in my heart forever.

‘I would also like to express my gratitude to all my team-mates, technical staff and all the members of the club I have met during my 9 years here. I am proud to have been able to share these experiences with you.

‘Manchester United will always be in my heart. This club has left its mark on my career and offered me an incredible opportunity to play in front of you. I’m leaving to take on new challenges, I’ll always be a Red Devil and I’ll continue to follow the club’s results with passion.

‘Thank you again for everything, and see you soon. With all my affection, Anthony Martial.’

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