Martial agent hit back at Wenger

The 19-year-old's agent has responded to the Gunners' manager's claims that the French youngster is more suited to a wide role

Anthony Martial's agent has blasted Arsenal as a club who follow players but always fail to sign them, following Arsene Wenger's suggestion that the Gunners did not buy the youngster because he is more suited to a wide role. 


The 19-year-old's deadline-day transfer to Old Trafford raised eyebrows throughout the footballing world as United agreed a deal that could rise to £58 million, making the former Monaco striker the most expensive teenager in football history.

However, the striker has immediately impressed scoring four goals in four games, netting against fierce rivals Liverpool before scoring a double at Southampton and grabbing a goal against Ipswich Town in the League Cup.

Despite the French youngster's early form, Wenger has suggested that Martial was more of a wide player, indicating that the Gunners already have enough quality in that area of their squad to even consider signing him.

Philippe Lamboley, Martial's agent, has responded to his comments, suggesting Arsenal, who signed only Petr Cech in the summer window, are a club that follow players rather than buying them.

"If the analysis of Wenger was to justify not having signed Anthony, then I accept his words and so he's a a winger. But in football there are those who follow players and those that buy them," he told RMC radio station.

"Anthony is a true modern centre forward. I am surprised by the analysis of Wenger, who has apparently followed him since he was an adolescent."

Lamboley also offered his thoughts on Martial's game, insisting that the 19-year-old has always been thought of as a striker.

"I don't agree with [Wenger] because Anthony scored between 25-30 goals a season when he was in Lyon's youth academy and never played as a winger," he added.

"When he goes wide and then comes central, it's to pick up speed and get away from the centre-backs."