Arsene Wenger claims Anthony Martial cost Manchester United way more than reported fee

Manchester United snapped up 19-year-old Anthony Martial for €50m on Deadline Day, or did they?

According to Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, the deal could be worth a lot more than the fee that was initially reported. The French manager explained to beIN Sports on Wednesday that he was told the deal was worth a whopping €80m.

"What happened last night with Monaco, who sold Martial to Manchester United for 80million Euros, I've heard... Martial scored 11 goals in the French championship - that sums it up well."

He added that the transfer signifies a stagnation in the transfer market, that although clubs are willing to spend, they're not really willing to sell their marquee players.

"That means it's not the money that's missing at the moment, it's not the desire of investment that is missing, it's the number of players available who can strengthen the big clubs." "The problem at the moment is finding the players that guarantees you are a better team after, and that example last night shows you very well."

However, Wenger was complimentary of the talents of United's new boy, but believes that the signing was more of a ling-term investment for the future.

"Martial is a huge talent - he's 19 years old. The investment is absolutely huge as well. It shows you that there's not many players in the world who can strengthen these teams."

Hat-tip to Sky Sports