Arsenal are expected to explore the summer transfer market for a new winger
Before we get into it, it’s important to clarify this is merely an analytical assessment of Marcus Rashford’s situation.
There is nothing currently to suggest Arsenal would be interested in the England international but given it seems the direction of travel is that Barcelona will not sign him permanently, Rashford’s future will be a prevalent topic this summer.
Is a Manchester United return viable? That’s hard to predict because regardless of what has taken place in recent years, he will always have an affinity for his boyhood club.
But having shone on loan at Aston Villa and in patches at Barcelona, perhaps he would relish the chance to embark on a fresh chapter elsewhere.
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Barca have a £26m buy-option and the noise from Spain suggests they won’t be triggering that clause.
However, a lot can change in the final matches of the season particularly given Lamine Yamal and Raphinha are currently out of action.
Rashford has 25 goal involvements in all competitions (12 goals and 13 assists) and has enjoyed several memorable personal moments in Spain – not least his goal in the recent 2-1 win at Atletico Madrid.
He turns 29 in October and it’s easy to see why Barca may feel better options are available on the market, including Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez.
United will be keen to secure a sale and just a matter of months ago, Barca were said to be trying to negotiate a lower fee for Rashford so they could proceed with a transfer.
But if they are not prepared to pay £27m, his stock will be lower than that by the time he returns to Old Trafford unless he dazzles at the World Cup.
Arsenal are looking to strengthen their wide options and Rashford would be a signing for the here and now.
Yes he is a streaky player but he’s vastly experienced, versatile and possesses the skillset to make an impact at the Emirates if the Gunners were ready to roll the dice.
Some may feel Rashford is an unflattering transfer target when the likes of Bradley Barcola of PSG are potentially available.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has also been linked with a big-money switch to the Emirates but that does not feel realistic at this stage.
Arsenal would naturally prefer to target a younger profile with potential resale value, but Rashford has all the tools to supplement their frontline.
Historically, a World Cup year is always a difficult window for completing business, so if Rashford remains available and the Gunners fail to land their primary targets, maybe he is one that might enter the conversation.
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