Arsenal have undoubtedly neglected the attacking department since Mikel Arteta arrived in December 2019.
The Gunners have only signed six attackers under the Spaniard, spending heavily on new goalkeepers, defenders and midfielders, but rarely on players who can deliver goals.
Kai Havertz Gabriel Jesus Leandro Trossard Marquinhos Raheem Sterling Willian
Appearances 77 95 96 6 11 37
Goals 26 26 22 1 1 1
Assists 10 17 15 1 2 7
Transfer fee £65m £45m £27m £3m Loan Free
This odd strategy has now culminated in nobody hitting double figures for goals in the Premier League for Arsenal last season – Kai Havertz netted the most with nine – although there is a solution for Mikel Arteta in Marcus Rashford which he and Andrea Berta simply cannot ignore.
Arsenal must act on £40m Marcus Rashford option
Aston Villa signed the England international on loan from Manchester United back in February, agreeing a £40m summer purchase option.
However, as the Guardian recently revealed, this option is not exclusive to the Villans, with other clubs able to match the fee and sign the striker if he agrees to the move.
Arteta is believed to adore Rashford, according to the Mirror, and has been a long-term admirer of the Manchester United academy graduate, so given the desperate need for goals at Arsenal, it would be strange if the Gunners ignored this £40m opportunity.
Like Scott McTominay and Antony have at Napoli and Real Betis respectively, the 27-year-old proved he is better than the player we saw at Manchester United during his spell with Aston Villa, where he scored four goals and provided six assists in his 17 appearances.
Marcus' first in the Premier League for the Villa 😤 pic.twitter.com/7j2wYWDP3t
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) April 2, 2025
Furthermore, Arteta has already shown he can fix a player struggling at a rival side when taking Havertz from Chelsea, with the Germany international now a key man for the Gunners.
Therefore, Berta – Director of Football at Arsenal – must at least attempt to muscle in on the chance to sign Rashford for £40m.
Marcus Rashford would be much cheaper than other options Arsenal are considering
£40m for a player like Rashford is a bargain nowadays, and should a deal materialise, it would leave Arsenal with money left over to bolster other areas.
Berta has held talks with Benjamin Sesko in recent days, although the Slovenian has a £67m release clause in his contract at RB Leipzig.
WHAT A GOAL!! 😨
Benjamin Šeško scores his 21st goal for RB Leipzig 🔴 pic.twitter.com/6qlInnGbIh
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 3, 2025
Viktor Gyokeres is another striker Arsenal like, but Sporting CP value the Swede around the £67m mark too.
Therefore, a proven Premier League striker in Rashford represents a much wiser investment for £40m.