Arsenal have been urged to turn their attention to Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford after their pursuit of Vinicius Junior collapsed. The Gunners had been in talks to sign the Brazilian winger during his contract dispute with Real Madrid, but Vinicius ultimately committed his future to the Spanish giants, signing a new six-year contract.
Vinicius Junior signs new Real Madrid contract
Arsenal's interest in Vinicius was serious, with club bosses approving a significant financial package and Mikel Arteta personally contacting the player to persuade him to move to north London. However, just as the Premier League champions were growing in confidence, Vinicius reached an agreement with Real Madrid to extend his stay at the Bernabeu.
Following the announcement, the Brazilian took to social media to express his delight, saying: 'Eight years at the Bernabeu are too short… Six more years, and then forever.' Real Madrid also released a statement praising their star, describing him as 'one of the most important players in one of the most successful periods in our history.'
William Gallas backs Rashford as alternative
With the Vinicius deal off the table, former Arsenal defender William Gallas has suggested that Marcus Rashford would be a 'great option' for the Gunners' attack. Rashford, 28, is currently searching for a new club after his loan spell at Barcelona did not result in a permanent move.
Speaking to iPredicta, Gallas said: 'Arsenal won the Premier League with that squad, but maybe they have to make some changes if they want to play in every competition. They have to bring quality players and a lot of players at the same time. Those players will want to be in the starting eleven, so you have to deal with their ego.'
He added: 'That's why what is very important is to bring the right player who will be happy to play from the bench, because joining a big club like Arsenal will add pressure every game you play, and we have to know if that player can play under that pressure. Of course, Marcus Rashford would be a great option for Arsenal's attack. I think he had a great season, and I'm sure some clubs will try to jump on that situation.'
Rashford's situation at Manchester United
Rashford is set to return to Old Trafford after his summer break, but Manchester United are expected to try to offload him before the transfer deadline. The England international, who was on loan at Barcelona last season, is reportedly available for a fee of around £40 million, with the exception of rival clubs Manchester City and Liverpool.
Gallas questioned why no club has yet signed Rashford, speculating that the price may be a stumbling block. 'I don't think he will stay at Manchester United. I'm not sure why no one has signed him yet, maybe because the price is too high. He wants to leave Man United, otherwise, he would not have gone on loan to Barcelona. He will try to find a solution to leave the club and to sign a long contract with another British club.'
Arsenal's summer transfer activity
Arsenal have already been active in the transfer market this summer, having secured the signings of Bruno Guimaraes, Christos Tzolis, and Illan Meslier. The Gunners, who won the Premier League last season and reached the Champions League final, are looking to strengthen their squad further as they prepare to defend their title.
Arteta's side are set to face Manchester City in the Community Shield next weekend, before beginning their Premier League campaign against newly-promoted Coventry City on August 21. With the new season fast approaching, the addition of a proven goalscorer like Rashford could provide the extra firepower needed to compete on all fronts.
As the transfer window enters its final weeks, all eyes will be on whether Arsenal decide to make a move for Rashford, and whether Manchester United are willing to do business with their Premier League rivals.
