via Reuters
Arsenal are now being discussed as a potential destination for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, who is on the lookout for a new club this summer. Rashford spent last season with Barcelona, scoring 14 and assisting as many, but he was not able to win a full-time deal, with Barca instead going out and signing Karim Adeyemi.
That meant Rashford returned to United, where he has been welcomed back by Michael Carrick, but still with the understanding that he will be sold if and when the right offer comes in. Rashford is on a huge wage at Old Trafford, and the Red Devils are keen to reduce their overall wage bill.
Arsenal are in need of versatile attackers
REUTERS
Arsenal have not hidden their desire to sign a left-sided attacker this summer, even with Christos Tzolis replacing Leandro Trossard. The Gunners want an elite option to complete their attack, alongside Bukayo Saka and Viktor Gyokeres.
They could also do with a striker to replace Gabriel Jesus, who will almost certainly leave, with more competition potentially needed for Kai Havertz and Gyokeres.
It's for that reason Arsenal have been keeping an eye out for wingers who can also play up front, with the likes of Julian Alvarez linked, albeit the Atletico Madrid star is more of a striker who can play wide.
Rashford is another player who can fit that mould, able to lead the line as a number nine but more commonly playing out wide, especially in recent times amid the presence of Robert Lewandowski at Barcelona.
Rashford has a £40million release clause, and it's likely Arsenal will have to meet it if they are going to sign him from a direct Premier League rival like United.
Marcus Rashford's last five league campaigns:
2025/26 LaLiga - 32 appearances / 8 goals / 9 assists
2024/25 Premier League - 25 appearances / 6 goals / 4 assists
2023/24 Premier League - 33 appearances / 7 goals / 3 assists
2022/23 Premier League - 35 appearances / 17 goals / 6 assists
2021/22 Premier League - 25 appearances / 4 goals / 2 assists
Where does Rashford fit in at Arsenal?
Marty Jean-Louis/Sipa USA via Reuters Connect
The £40million question is where Rashford fits into Mikel Arteta's plans. Would he be the guy on the left, or would he be an additional signing alongside a truly elite winger? It's not clear Arsenal can manage both signings after spending £75million on Bruno Guimaraes, at least not while staying compliant with Profit and Sustainability rules. There would likely need to be some significant exits to pull off that kind of business.
If Rashford is to be the starting left-winger, it's a risk. There is no guarantees he is a major upgrade on Trossard, even if he is a more dangerous player in terms of attacking talent. Rashford can be a major upgrade, but it's no secret that he has had his problems with inconsistency, and Arteta needs a consistent player on that side of the attack. In short, there is a big upside but also a significant risk.
If Arsenal can sign him as an additional weapon on top of a left-sided elite winger, then it takes away the risk while protecting the upside.
That would make it a tremendous signing that few could complain about. It would be an absolute luxury.
But does Rashford want to be a player who is called upon here and there to make an impact? Only scenario A gives him anything close to guaranteed starting time, and that leaves Arsenal rolling the dice and hoping Rashford can carry his LaLiga form into a Premier League campaign.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta staring
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta staring