A shock swap deal involving Marcus Rashford and Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly has been proposed by former Gunners defender Lee Dixon.
Rashford has returned to Manchester United following two loan spells away from Old Trafford, with Barcelona deciding against making his move permanent.
The England international has now been handed the No.14 shirt at United and is expected to be reintegrated into the first-team squad during pre-season.
However, former Arsenal defender Dixon has suggested an audacious deal that would see Rashford move to the Emirates, with Lewis-Skelly heading in the opposite direction.
Speaking to BestBettingSites, Dixon was asked whether he would swap the two players.
“Would I swap them? You know what, I probably would,” Dixon said.
The former Arsenal defender stressed that his suggestion was not a criticism of Lewis-Skelly, instead arguing that a move could allow the 19-year-old to develop his game elsewhere.
“With Marcus Rashford, he’s a player who needs an arm around his shoulder, and Arteta would be great for him,” Dixon added.
“Give him that love, give him the freedom to play on that left side, and yeah, I’d like to see him in an Arsenal shirt.”
Dixon did admit to having reservations over whether Rashford can consistently perform at the highest level, but believes the forward could still improve Arsenal’s attacking options.
“I have my reservations about whether he’s consistently a top-class player, but based on what Arsenal have in the squad now, he’d be a good addition,” he said.
Rashford’s future at Manchester United remains an intriguing storyline after he spent the second half of last season on loan at Barcelona.
United’s attacking options have since been strengthened by the arrivals of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, while Amad Diallo has continued to develop into an important option.
That has raised further questions over where Rashford fits into Ruben Amorim’s plans.
At Arsenal, meanwhile, Lewis-Skelly’s position has also become a talking point following the club’s summer recruitment.
The teenager only started five Premier League matches last season, although he played a more prominent role in the Champions League and ultimately started the final.
His ability to operate at both left-back and in midfield makes him a versatile option, but recent reports have also claimed that Chelsea have been offered the opportunity to sign him.
There is currently no indication that Arsenal and Manchester United are discussing an actual swap deal involving the two players.
Instead, the proposal comes from Dixon as a potential solution for two players whose futures have become increasingly interesting ahead of the new season.
For now, Rashford remains a Manchester United player and Lewis-Skelly remains at Arsenal, but Dixon’s extraordinary swap suggestion has certainly added another twist to both transfer stories.