Arsenal could still make a move before the end of the transfer window with Marcus Rashford linked with a switch to Emirates Stadium as Gabriel Martinelli prepares to leave the club
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford is back at Manchester United - but could be on the move again(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
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Arsenal could make a late move for Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford after Gabriel Martinelli's exit is confirmed. The prospect of a loan move has been raised with just days of the transfer window.
Rashford had been widely linked to an Old Trafford exit at the beginning of the summer but returned to Michael Carrick's squad for their Premier League defeat to Hull City. While Arsenal's priority appears to be signing Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid, they are said to be relaxed over the prospect of missing out.
There is reported to be some 'internal surprise' within the club that Martinelli could leave for Al-Hilal without a replacement having arrived for the £50m winger. The Independent claims that it could prompt Arsenal to make a late loan bid for the United forward, who is at home on the left flank.
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Rashford spent last season on loan at Barcelona, but the Catalan club chose not to activate the clause that would have enabled them to sign the player for £26million. The 28-year-old still has two years remaining on his contract with United.
The reintegration of Rashford would appear to make any bid to sign the player more difficult than it was earlier in the summer. The forward could start against Ipswich this weekend, with Carrick saying he has been 'delighted' with Rashford since his return.
Arsenal may be considering alternatives with a deal for Alvarez looking difficult to do. When asked how conversations with Alvarez had gone, Mikel Arteta retorted: "Don't go there."
Julian Alvarez during an Atletico Madrid game
Arsenal are interested in signing Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez before the transfer window shuts(Image: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire)
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So, there remains uncertainty over whether the Gunners could add to their forward line. football.london understands Arsenal remain very keen on signing the Argentinian, but will only make a move if they get full buy-in from the player.
Alvarez, who will not feature for Atletico this weekend, having missed training through illness, has been keen to join Barcelona this summer. His current club refused to negotiate with the Catalan club following their conduct, however.
"The members of Atletico Madrid’s Board of Directors have unanimously expressed their full support for the club’s decision not to negotiate the transfer of Julian Alvarez to FC Barcelona," Atletico said in a statement.
"The members of the Board of Directors are aware that: Atletico Madrid is open to negotiations that are part of the transfer market, but always in an ethical and professional manner and with respect between clubs.
"We fully support the position previously communicated by the club that FC Barcelona have not met these requirements and, as a result, there have been no negotiations, nor will there be any negotiations with them regarding the transfer of Julián Alvarez.”