Arsenal and Chelsea have emerged as potential suitors for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, whose future at Barcelona is in doubt following the Catalan club's acquisition of Anthony Gordon. Rashford, 28, has impressed on loan at Barcelona, scoring 14 goals and providing 10 assists to help the team win La Liga and reach the latter stages of the Champions League. Barcelona had an option to sign him permanently for around £26 million, but that deal is now uncertain after they spent £70 million on Gordon, Rashford's England teammate.
Rashford's Uncertain Future
Rashford's dream of a permanent move to Barcelona may not materialize, but he will not lack options. According to the Daily Mail, his representatives believe Arsenal and Chelsea will show interest if the price is right. Arsenal, the newly crowned Premier League champions, are expected to back manager Mikel Arteta in the transfer window, with a new forward high on the agenda. Pundits have urged Arteta to sign a left-winger to replace Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, who had inconsistent seasons.
Chelsea and European Interest
Chelsea are also preparing for a busy summer as they look to support incoming manager Xabi Alonso after a disappointing campaign. However, Rashford's camp also expects interest from Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. Bayern were previously linked with Gordon before Barcelona hijacked the move, while incoming Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho is reportedly keen on Rashford. A return to Manchester United appears unlikely, even after Michael Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim as manager.
Pundit Views on Rashford to Arsenal
Arsenal legend Lee Dixon has described Rashford as an 'Arsenal player' due to his pace and directness but questioned his reliability. 'He flitted in and out of the Barcelona set-up. He's a player on his day that is absolutely an Arsenal player, but I'm not sure you can trust him,' Dixon told BoyleSports. In contrast, Ally McCoist believes Rashford would 'thrive' at Arsenal, stating, '100 per cent I could see him playing there. Marcus Rashford could thrive at Arsenal.'
Rashford has made over 400 appearances for Manchester United, scoring 138 goals. He is currently part of Thomas Tuchel's England squad preparing for the World Cup in the United States.
