Gunners secure highly rated teenage defender directly from arch rivals after contract standoff
Mikel Arteta_v2
Marcus Rashford Arsenal: Michael Owen has thrown Marcus Rashford’s name into Arsenal’s transfer conversation, insisting Mikel Arteta should target the Manchester United forward instead of chasing another blockbuster signing. Speaking to talkSPORT, the former England striker argued that a deal worth around £40 million would represent far better business after Arsenal failed to tempt Vinicius Junior away from Real Madrid, where the Brazilian has committed his future with a new contract.
Marcus Rashford Arsenal: Owen names ideal Arteta signing
Arteta wants another left-sided attacker after Leandro Trossard’s departure, and Rashford’s uncertain position at Old Trafford has created an unexpected opening. The 28-year-old spent last season on loan at Barcelona, yet the Spanish champions decided against making the move permanent, preferring Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon instead. Rashford has since returned to Manchester United for pre-season under Michael Carrick before the friendly against Leeds United, although Owen believes Arsenal should still test United’s resolve while his future remains unresolved.
There is genuine logic behind Owen’s suggestion. Arsenal require an experienced attacker who already understands Premier League football and wouldn’t demand a nine-figure transfer fee. Rashford offers exactly that.
His spell at Barcelona changed plenty of opinions. Across all competitions, he produced 14 goals and 11 assists during the 2025/26 campaign. Eight goals and seven assists arrived in 32 La Liga appearances across 1,770 minutes as Barcelona lifted the title. He then added five goals and three assists in 11 Champions League matches, showing he could still influence elite contests against Europe’s strongest sides.
Arteta asks his left-sided forward to stretch play, attack the far post and drift inside when space appears. Rashford has spent years performing those movements, while his time under Hansi Flick sharpened his link-up play and improved his ball retention, reflected in an 86% passing accuracy.
His versatility strengthens the argument. Gabriel Martinelli prefers open grass to attack, whereas Rashford offers another route against deep defensive blocks. He can lead the line, start from the left or rotate across the front three without disrupting Arsenal’s structure.
Critics will point to his salary, and Carrick may yet decide Rashford belongs in his plans after encouraging displays for England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he scored against Croatia and assisted against France in the third-place play-off. Even so, paying £40 million for a proven Premier League international with renewed confidence after producing 25 goal contributions in Spain feels far easier to justify than spending well beyond £100 million on another wide forward.