Anthony Martial rejected by former Arsenal star

Anthony Martial once looked destined to become one of Manchester United’s great modern forwards.

His first touch in English football felt almost scripted.

United and Arsenal had spent years fighting for titles, trading tackles and creating moments that defined an era.

Then, in September 2015, Martial stepped from the bench against Liverpool and produced that unforgettable debut goal.

“Welcome to Manchester United, Anthony Martial,” became the soundtrack to a moment supporters would never forget.

There were more beautiful memories.

His late FA Cup semi-final winner against Everton, devastating runs from the left and a career-best 2019/20 campaign all showed the frightening talent United had bought from Monaco.

Yet somewhere along the road, the magic faded.

Injuries interrupted his rhythm and Martial eventually left Old Trafford in 2024 after nine years, 317 appearances and 90 goals.

His career has since drifted far from those afternoons when Old Trafford rose whenever he collected the ball.

AEK Athens offered a fresh beginning before Martial moved to Monterrey in 2025.

That adventure ended in June 2026 after just one goal in 20 official appearances.

Now 30 and a free agent, Martial has been linked with Malaga and reportedly rejected two other approaches from Ligue 1 clubs.

However, another possible route back to France was also closed.

Anthony Martial offered to French club

Former Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny is the man involved.

Koscielny, now sporting director of Lorient, revealed to Ouest-France that Martial was among hundreds of players proposed to the club during the transfer window.

He explained that Lorient received around 400 to 450 proposals, including several former internationals, but had specific profiles they wanted to recruit.

That meant no move was pursued for Martial, effectively leaving the former United forward’s representatives looking elsewhere.

There is a strange footballing symmetry to Koscielny being involved.

He spent nine years representing Arsenal during the height of Martial’s United career.

For United supporters who remember that fearless teenager arriving in 2015, Martial’s search for his next home is another reminder of how quickly football can change.