The Stamford Bridge club’s owner Roman Abramovich is intent on strengthening the squad after a disappointing season, and has given the go-ahead for moves to be made in the transfer market despite uncertainty over the managerial situation.
Antonio Conte is expected to leave at the end of this season after just two years in charge, but Abramovich has already made it clear that moves to bring in players must start as soon as possible.
Failure to qualify for the Champions League, which looks almost certain after fourth-placed Tottenham’s win over Watford on Monday reinstated their five-point gap over Chelsea, is expected to cost as much as £70million. The club aim to make up the deficit in sales this summer to stay within Financial Fair Play rules.
Martial is unhappy at Old Trafford and looking for a move to reignite his career. The France forward has one more year left on his contract, with an option for a further year, and United look likely to cash in on a player who they paid £58m to sign from Monaco in 2015.
Chelsea are looking to strengthen their forward positions in particular this summer, and Martial’s versatility has attracted their attention.
Abramovich could face competition for the 22-year-old, with both Juventus – who have indicated they are prepared to pay around £45m – and Tottenham interested.
For now Manchester United want to keep Martial, who has made only 17 Premier League starts this season, but he is keen on a move away from Old Trafford.
Chelsea are bracing themselves for a summer bid from Real Madrid for their star man Eden Hazard, though they are still hopeful the Belgian will sign the new contract which has been on the table for some time.
