Arsenal have an interest in signing Manchester United star Marcus Rashford during the summer transfer window, according to The Daily Mail.
The Gunners are poised to strengthen their attacking options for their Premier League title defence next term. The left wing is expected to be prioritised.
The club have opened the door for the departures of Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, and they may bring in two high-profile options this summer.
The Daily Mail now claim that the Gunners are believed to have an interest in bringing Rashford back to the Premier League after his loan stint at Barcelona.
The Blaugrana have the option to purchase the 28-year-old for £26 million, but they are only willing to pay half of that figure to secure a permanent deal.
United are refusing to budge on the clause. Rashford will have to accept a pay cut on his £ 315,000-per-week salary, or a payoff from the Red Devils, to secure a permanent transfer.
Barcelona could propose another loan deal for him if a permanent exit does not materialise.
Rashford’s PL experience makes him a no-brainer signing
Trossard and Martinelli had a brilliant first half to the season with the Gunners, but struggled during the back end. Trossard went on a four-month run without a goal contribution.
The Belgian eventually made his mark with a winning goal against West Ham United, which heavily contributed to the league title, but he could make way in the coming weeks.
The 31-year-old’s contract expires in June next year and could be sold for a reasonable fee. Similarly, Martinelli could be on his way out if a new contract is not finalised pretty soon.
The Brazilian is contracted until the summer of 2027 with a 12-month option. At 24, he is in the prime phase of his career, and Arsenal could secure the best fee during the next window.
Rashford would be a good acquisition to compete for a place on the left wing. He had a solid season with Barcelona last term, contributing 14 goals and 14 assists across all competitions.
The Englishman also impressed during his loan stint at Aston Villa in the back end of the 2024/25 campaign. He managed 10 goal contributions from 17 appearances for Unai Emery’s side.
Rashford has vast Premier League experience with almost 300 appearances, and could seamlessly fit in at Arsenal without any adaptation time. It appears a no-brainer signing, provided his wages are lower and the price is right, given he can also play as a centre-forward.
Saka is reportedly the highest-earning player at the club at over £300,000 per week. With Rashford turning 29 soon, the Gunners could be reluctant to pay him more than £250,000 weekly, in our opinion.
Rashford may have to accept a 20 percent pay cut at least. United could contribute with a payoff. The Gunners are unlikely to pay more than the £26m sum quoted to Barcelona for a permanent deal.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com