There is one standout candidate when it comes to Mikel Arteta’s ideal forward signing this summer
Arsenal’s desire to sign a left-sided forward this summer is no secret.
Mikel Arteta has mentioned several times in recent years that the Gunners are lacking a cutting edge in forward positions. With his love for Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz well-known, the only position where they clearly lack an elite level player is the left wing.
Neither Leandro Trossard nor Gabriel Martinelli has managed to make the position their own over the last few seasons, despite them contributing to varying degrees to Arsenal’s Premier League title success and the run to the Champions League final this term.
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
Trossard has once again been linked with a move to Turkey this summer, and, given he is now 31 years old, it may be a good time to part ways with the Belgian for the right price. Martinelli, meanwhile, has more years left at the top, though his younger age could result in a bigger offer coming in, which may prove irresistible to sporting director Andrea Berta as he looks to raise funds.
The bigger issue for Arsenal up to now has been identifying real quality alternatives in the transfer market. The English champions have been told their main left wing target Kenan Yildiz is not for sale by Juventus, forcing them to look elsewhere.
But, given the dearth of talent available and Arteta’s pressing squad needs, Marcus Rashford represents an ideal transfer. Arsenal have the opportunity to sign Rashford after he returns to United for showdown talks with Old Trafford bosses following the World Cup.
The England international’s hopes of a permanent move to Barcelona have collapsed, leaving his immediate future up in the air. The La Liga champions recently signed Anthony Gordon in a £70million transfer, meaning they are not pursuing a permanent deal for Rashford. And United are refusing to give into Barca’s push for another season-long loan deal.
Rashford’s next step is unclear as he has little interest in remaining at United beyond this summer and is keen to make a fresh start elsewhere. And, in a major boost, Arsenal are not among the clubs blocked from signing him, which are understood to be Liverpool and Manchester City.
While Rashford is valued at around £40m, Berta may even be able to negotiate a lower fee for the forward, taking his move to the Emirates from a solid deal to a potential masterstroke. Ok, the Gunners are said to have cooled their interest in Rashford, but given his age, it is the perfect time to sign the former United Academy graduate if Arteta wants a player that is ready to win now and not the future.
Rashford’s career trajectory over the past two years has made him hungrier than ever. He reiterated several times after joining Barcelona that his priority is winning trophies, aligning him with Arsenal’s ambitions.
He enjoyed success at Barcelona this season, managing 14 goals and 14 assists in 49 appearances, including nine goal involvements in 11 Champions League matches played, though around half of his total appearances came off the bench.
Yet, that only goes to show his exemplary attitude, willing to share minutes with Martinelli, Trossard or even Eberechi Eze, depending on who Arteta deems fit to start certain games.
Rashford’s wealth of Premier League experience, having made 297 appearances and scored 89 goals, is what separates him from the other names being linked with Arsenal. He is more likely to hit the ground running than the likes of Nico Williams and Rafael Leao, who have never played in England.
Viktor Gyokeres needing around seven months to adapt to the pace and physicality of the league is evidence that success elsewhere doesn’t necessarily translate to delivering the goods at Arsenal.
The England star is also considerably cheaper than the other left wingers available. Bradley Barcola of PSG, who football.london understands is a genuine target, could cost anywhere between £70m and £105m, according to reports.
Rashford’s value won’t hold as well as Barcola’s after two or three seasons in N5, given the Frenchman is still 23. But, if Arsenal want to save the bulk of their funds to invest elsewhere while still bringing in a reliable and dangerous forward, Rashford remains the best option this summer.
Thousands of Arsenal fans upgraded their matchday last season. This is how they did it.
Various Prices
Seat Unique
Buy official packages at Seat Unique
Official premium experiences at the Emirates are available now for the 26/27 Premier League season. Make it easier than ever to turn a regular fixture into something genuinely unforgettable.
