Marcus Rashford is reportedly interested in extending his stay at Aston Villa.Marcus Rashford is reportedly interested in extending his stay at Aston Villa.
Marcus Rashford is reportedly interested in extending his stay at Aston Villa. | Getty Images
Man United are set to sell Marcus Rashford this summer after his loan spell at Aston Villa.
Marcus Rashford’s future is currently uncertain, but it is understood that he will definitely leave Old Trafford this summer, amid reported interest from several clubs in the attacker.
However, United need to be shrewd this summer, as they don’t want to cause any issues regarding Profitability and Sustainability Rules, so could offer Barcelona a swap deal to bring in defensive reinforcements.
Man United could ask for Araujo in a swap deal
If Barcelona decide that they do want to sign Rashford, United could instead suggest that the La Liga club swaps one of their players for the England international to help United land one of their targets.
The Red Devils reportedly want to sign Ronald Araujo, who plays as a centre-back for Hansi Flick’s side. It was reported earlier this month that United are willing to pay £68m to sign the defender who could be forced to leave Barcelona due to the financial situation at the club.
If that is the case, United could save some money by offering Rashford in exchange for Araujo, meaning that neither side would end up spending a lot of money, and they both get the targets that they want.
Araujo made just 12 La Liga appearances for Barca last season after both struggling with injury problems and falling out of favour with manager Flick. So, he could also be wanting a move away this summer.
Araujo is well-respected in football circles; former Barcelona manager Xavi once told Heavy Sports that the defender is “a physical marvel... a world-class defender. One of the best in the world.”
Furthermore, Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr previously said that Araujo is the “best defender that I have ever faced.”
Araujo could replace departing Man United duo
If United were able to strike a deal to bring Araujo to Old Trafford, he would help to replace both Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans, who are both set to leave United as free agents in June.
The duo’s contracts are set to expire, and there has been no effort to renew the deals, meaning that they will be looking for their next club to join in the summer transfer window.
There hasn’t been any reports linking Lindelof with a new club as of yet, but aged just 30, the Swedish international still has plenty left to give, and could remain in the Premier League, should a club be willing to take a risk on him.
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