Football London Icon
Arsenal
Arsenal Transfer News
Arsenal transfer news## Arsenal could pivot to Marcus Rashford as an alternative to Vinicius Junior if a deal does not happen
11:38, 29 Jul 2026
The clamour for Arsenal to sign one of the world’s best players, Vinicius Junior, has become the main headline act for the transfer window. However, the reality remains that a move for the winger is unlikely to be successful.
Arsenal’s interest is very real, and if the player fails to agree a new deal at Real Madrid, the landscape would change dramatically. For now, the likelier outcome is Vini Jr staying in the Spanish capital.
If that happens, Arsenal will need to look deeper into the market, and one left winger whose name continues to be linked with a switch is Marcus Rashford. When you speak to Arsenal supporters and bring up the name of Rashford, the reaction is not exactly filled with glee.
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
Rashford’s stock has not been what it once was, and even after two good spells on loan from Manchester United and becoming a key figure in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad, the 28-year-old remains on the lookout for a new club. Barcelona turned down the option to sign Rashford for €30million (£25.7million), which was an option included in the loan.
So is the idea that Arsenal could sign Rashford realistic, firstly, and if so, a good idea at all, secondly? There is a lack of top left-wing options around, with Arsenal determined to sign another new player in addition to Christos Tzolis, with faith in Gabriel Martinelli, who scored one Premier League goal last season, clearly dwindling.
football.london understands that after opting against paying the big money for Morgan Rogers, the club had three high-profile alternatives in Bradley Barcola, Yan Diomande and Vini Jr. The fee PSG want for Barcola is way above Arsenal’s valuation.
Diomande looks set to join Real Madrid, whose interest in Arsenal never extended beyond an exploratory enquiry. While the Vini Jr situation continues to rumble on, despite suggestions he will be staying in Madrid, which are believed not to be as definitive as is being claimed, for now.
Article continues below
The other pathway was to look at a profile that was cheaper with a high ceiling. The two names football.london understood to be appreciated were Ajax’s Mika Godts and Bayer Leverkusen’s Kerim Alajbegovic.
Tom Canton
Tom Canton
Tom Canton joined football.london as the Arsenal Fan Brand Writer and Presenter before becoming a permanent Arsenal Reporter in 2025. Tom produces plenty of analytical content in addition to breaking stories and is a regular attendee at matches and press conferences. Can also be found on YouTube @TheGoonerTalkTV
Marcus Rashford
Vinicius Junior
Arsenal transfer news
Arsenal transfer rumours
Summer Transfer Window