Anthony Martial to Manchester United explained by Monaco as they reveal why Thomas Lemar stayed after Arsenal and Liverpool offers
French giants were in a habit of buy big, sell big before changing transfer policy to build superb Ligue 1-winning team
MONACO have revealed why they were forced to sell Anthony Martial to Manchester United in 2015 but could afford to hang on to Thomas Lemar this summer.
Liverpool and Arsenal both made moves for the talented French midfielder, with the Gunners tabling a whopping club-record £92million bid on transfer deadline day.
But a deal for Lemar did not go through, much to Monaco’s delight after they had already parted ways with a number of key men including Kylian Mbappe, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Bernardo Silva.
However, when United came knocking for Martial a few years ago, the French champs were only too happy to sell for a tasty fee which could eventually reach £73m.
But as explained by vice-president Vadim Vasilyev, the club merely money to comply with Financial Fair Play rules after a number of years of big-spending.
He told L’Equipe: “In 2015 we had to sell in order to meet FFP conditions, so it was more of an obligation. We are, currently, financially safe and sound.
“You sell when you think it’s the right time. You’ve got to accept the risk and it’s by taking risks that we have got here.
“Sales, they are the consequence of having a great season, the league title, a great manager and an excellent recruitment cell and scouting network.
Latest Monaco News
“We don’t want records. We want to maintain a competitive team while respecting our economic model. And today, we’ve managed it.
“My dream has always been to develop the model, in both an economic and sporting sense, as far as possible. I’d said that a few years ago with Forbes magazine; It see that it is a possibility.
“[PSG’s FFP investigation after Mbappe and Neymar deals?] I would need to know all the facts in order to be fully cognisant with the situation.
“I think that they have considered it more on a revenue and sponsorship angle, notably with Nike. UEFA will make a decision in due course.”
CLICK HERE FOR THE MOST PROFITABLE TRANSFERS EVER
