Manchester United forward Anthony Martial rejected higher Chelsea offer before £36m Old Trafford move

The 19-year-old had his heart set on Old Trafford transfer

James Orr
Thursday 15 October 2015 07:56 BST
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Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal and Anthony Martial
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal and Anthony Martial (Getty Images)

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Anthony Martial turned down the chance to sign for Chelsea just before making his £36m move to Manchester United, it has been reported.

Reports in France have claimed that the Blues made an approach for the 19-year-old, but despite Monaco's willingness to sell, he favoured a move to Manchester over west London.

Today's news confirms reports from last month which claimed an unnamed club out-bid United for Martial, but he always had his heart set on a move to United.

“There was another club that offered even more than United,” Monaco's vice-president Vadim Vasilyev revealed.

“I will not say how much, but the fixed price, without variables, it was even better. And also they offered us to have him for a further year in Monaco.

“But the boy wanted to go to Manchester, it was his dream. And we let him go with the bonus of 30m euros. Had it not been for so much money, he’d have stayed.”

Martial has hit the ground running for United, scoring four goals in seven appearances for the club.

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