Manchester United have a major Marcus Rashford problem to solve as they prepare to enter August.
Rashford enjoyed a superb 2025-26 season on loan at Barcelona and had hopes that the Catalan giants would trigger the £26 million release clause in the loan agreement.
Barcelona made a surprise £69 million swoop for Anthony Gordon.
INEOS are now left with a player earning more than £300,000 per week who may not even be guaranteed a place in the strongest starting XI.
Recent reports have suggested that Rashford may be integrated into the first-team squad under head coach Michael Carrick.
However, both Rashford and United are open to parting ways if an appropriate offer comes in.
With his scheduled return to Carrington now only days away, attention is turning towards what the next chapter of his career could look like.
London
North London has emerged as one of the most surprising potential destinations for Rashford.
Both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have recently been linked with sensational moves for the England international.
Arsenal need a new left winger after the departure of Leandro Trossard.
The Gunners had identified Morgan Rogers as their priority target, only to watch him choose Chelsea instead.
Rashford could provide an immediate world-class solution while allowing Arsenal to retain Gabriel Martinelli as another attacking option.
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has his sights on signing the United forward.
Spurs have already shocked the Premier League by signing Jan Paul van Hecke, Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes in a remarkable spending spree.
They have repeatedly broken the bank this summer and could match Rashford’s salary expectations.
The biggest question remains whether the United academy graduate would seriously consider joining another Premier League side.
Only a handful of European heavyweights have the ability to pay his wages.
Bayern Munich previously admired Anthony Gordon, but with that transfer now impossible, Rashford could emerge as an intriguing late alternative.
Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked with him on numerous occasions over recent years.
However, the French champions have rebuilt their squad around energetic young players who relentlessly press from the front.
That tactical philosophy makes Rashford a far less natural fit than he might once have been.
Saudi Arabian clubs could comfortably satisfy his financial expectations, but Rashford still wants to compete in the UEFA Champions League.
At this stage, Rashford appears increasingly likely to begin the season back at Old Trafford.
Carrick knows him exceptionally well after working alongside him during Louis van Gaal’s reign.
That existing relationship could prove crucial if Rashford receives one final opportunity to revive his United career.
Keeping Rashford would also allow INEOS to prioritise signing a specialist left-back instead of another left winger.
If no suitable offer materialises this summer, both sides could revisit the situation during the January transfer window or next summer.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com