JOSE MOURINHO is reportedly open to using Anthony Martial as bait to lure Ivan Rakitic to Manchester United.
Barcelona are said to be eyeing a move for Martial, who is also on the radar of Arsenal.
Spanish reports claim Mourinho would be prepared to leave his French striker leave – but would want Rakitic in return.
United’s lack of midfield depth has been exposed by injuries to Paul Pogba and Marouane Fellaini.
And a move for Croatia international Rakitic, 29, is said to appeal to their boss.
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Barca are in the market for forwards after the departure of Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain.
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They bagged injured winger Ousmane Dembele from Borussia Dortmund in a hefty £138m deal, with £97m paid up front.
And Martial, 21, could be another player to move after starting just ONE game in the Premier League this season under Jose Mourinho.
Arsene Wenger reckons the French winger is a perfect replacement when Alexis Sanchez leaves Arsenal.
United put down £36million to buy Martial from Monaco but there are add-ons that will see the fee rise.
Arsenal may need to break the £50m barrier to land him but Wenger is willing to invest in the right player.
He has lost his place in the France squad but regular games in Wenger’s team will put him back in the frame for Didier Deschamps team.
Martial has scored three goals in the Premier League this season and all of them have been off the bench.
He has also netted twice in when he was started against Burton in the EFL Cup and CSKA Moscow in Champions League action.
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