Barcelona have joined Arsenal in the race to sign French forward Anthony Martial from Manchester United, according to a report.

The 21-year-old has had little trouble finding the net so far this term, despite being constantly overlooked for a starting spot by boss Jose Mourinho.

Martial has struck five goals, while also racking up four assists, in his first nine appearances of the 2017-18 campaign - just one of those being a Premier League start.

Reports emerged at the weekend suggesting that Arsenal are preparing to make a shock bid for the former Monaco ace, who they see as an ideal replacement for soon-to-depart forward Alexis Sanchez.

Barca may also take advantage of Mourinho's reluctance to use Martial from the off more often, however, with Mundo Deportivo reporting that the Catalan giants have been keeping a close eye on the situation.

Denis Suarez and Gerard Deulofeu are Barcelona's current left-sided attacking options, while club-record signing Ousmane Dembele is due to return from a hamstring injury early next year.