The 30-year-old Frenchman has been without a club since departing the Mexican side in July, having joined them in September 2025. During his time at Monterrey, Martial made 20 appearances, scoring once and providing one assist.
His representatives are understood to be interested in finding him a new challenge in Brazilian football and have begun exploring potential opportunities. Cruzeiro were the first club approached, with contact made through a Brazilian intermediary directly with technical director Paulinho.
However, the initial response was not encouraging. According to AgĂȘncia RTI Esporte, Martial's name failed to generate sufficient enthusiasm within the club and no negotiations are underway.
Although he would be available without a transfer fee, his previous salary could prove a significant obstacle. Martial reportedly earned around R$1.8 million per month at Monterrey, a level that would require careful consideration from Cruzeiro.
Club owner Pedro Lourenço has also instructed that recruitment decisions should wait until Cruzeiro's position for next season is clearer. Qualification for the group stage of the Copa Libertadores is a major objective, and the club's spending plans will depend partly on the competitions they qualify for.
Any potential signing would also require approval from the football department and head coach Artur Jorge's staff.
Martial's representatives believe a move to Brazil could attract considerable attention, given his career in European football. He came through at Lyon before moving to Monaco and then Manchester United, where he spent seven years between 2015 and 2022.
During his time at Old Trafford, he won the Europa League, FA Cup, Community Shield and two League Cups. He also collected the 2015 Golden Boy award and was part of France's Nations League-winning squad in 2020-21.
His career has included spells alongside prominent names including Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé, Bernardo Silva and Memphis Depay. After leaving United, he played for Sevilla and AEK Athens before moving to Monterrey.
For now, however, Cruzeiro have made no commitment to pursuing the forward. Martial's availability and experience may appeal to clubs looking for a free agent, but his wage demands and the Brazilian side's financial priorities leave the proposed move uncertain.