Chelsea unwilling to meet Manchester United’s £89.3m asking price for Anthony Martial

Chelsea are reportedly exploring the possibility of signing France international forward Anthony Martial, according to The Times.

The Premier League side, who have only signed Italy midfielder Jorginho from Napoli so far this summer transfer window, have been linked with luring the striker from top-flight rivals Manchester United ahead of the 2018-19 campaign.

The 22-year-old, who has 18 international caps for his country, scored 11 goals and provided nine assists in 45 appearances in all competitions for The Red Devils last season.

Martial, who was left out of France’s World Cup-winning squad this summer, has netted 36 goals in 136 games overall for United following his high profile transfer from AS Monaco back in September 2015.

Chelsea’s Danny Drinkwater in action with Manchester United’s Anthony Martial.

However, it is understood that the left winger wishes to leave Old Trafford, with Chelsea and Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich chasing his signature.

Martial has less than 12 months remaining on his current contract at The Theatre of Dreams, and he has rejected a new deal with United.

The club are said to value the Frenchman at a whopping €100m (£89.3m), though potential suitors Chelsea nor Bayern are willing to meet United’s asking price.