Arsenal: Anthony Martial could be Robin van Persie in reverse

Arsenal are being linked with a move for Manchester United’s Anthony Martial. If a deal could be completed, the Frenchman has the talent to be Robin van Persie in reverse.

When Robin van Persie left Arsenal for Manchester United, it came as the culmination in a long list of summers that confirmed the diminishing and inferior status of the North London outfit.

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Van Persie, with just a year remaining on his contract, held all the cards. Arsene Wenger wanted to keep him; Sir Alex Ferguson wanted to sign him. It was simply up to him to make the decision of his destination, and, then, up to the clubs to agree on a fee.

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It so transpired that van Persie chose United. In his first season at Old Trafford, he proceeded to score 26 Premier League goals and fire Ferguson to the final league title of his illustrious career. It was a remarkable season from the Dutchman, highlighted by a blossoming partnership between himself and Wayne Rooney that gave United the most dynamic and potent strikeforce in the country.

It was a controversial decision, one that fractured the relationship between van Persie and the Arsenal fans, and ultimately resulted in van Persie winning the Premier League title that was so elusive during his time in North London. And it was his one season in Manchester that van Persie reached the peak of his powers, and that he is perhaps most well known for, as well as the controversy of the transfer.

Well, if reports are to be believed, Arsenal now have the opportunity to perform the same trick. With Alexis Sanchez seemingly nearing an exit with his contract expiring in the summer, Wenger, reportedly, is eyeing up Anthony Martial as a potential replacement.

Now, Martial is far from the player that van Persie was when he made the move north. But in terms of natural talent, he could have a similar impact to what van Persie did during that first season.

While a little inconsistent, Martial undoubtedly has some uniquely brilliant qualities. He is extremely sharp in his movement, both in his balance in short areas, and in his long-speed, he is direct and purposeful in his dribbling, and has the end product to deliver goals and assists when he finds the right positions in the final third.

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Would he be cheap? Probably not. Is he a guaranteed success? Definitely not. But his talent is deserving of a shot.