Rio Ferdinand believes Arsenal should 'sweep Marcus Rashford off his feet' and make the Manchester United star their new left winger. The former Manchester United defender made the comments on his YouTube channel, urging the Premier League champions to sign the England forward for £40 million.
Arsenal's left-wing search
Arsenal have made signing a left winger a top priority this summer, especially with Leandro Trossard poised to leave the club. The Gunners have been linked with several options, including Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers, who is reportedly keen on a move, and Greek winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge. They are also monitoring Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola, who may seek a fresh challenge after slipping down Luis Enrique's pecking order last season.
Ferdinand's endorsement of Rashford
Ferdinand believes Rashford, 28, could be a shrewd acquisition, with the forward facing an uncertain future at Old Trafford. Rashford was hoping to earn a permanent £26 million move to Barcelona after a successful loan last season, but the Spanish giants instead signed Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United in a £70 million deal. Reports suggest Rashford is available for £40 million to clubs other than local rivals Manchester City and Liverpool.
'I'm taking Rashford,' Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel when a transfer to Arsenal was suggested by co-host Stephen Howson. 'For £40 million, I am sweeping Marcus Rashford off his feet.'
Seaman also backs the move
Arsenal legend David Seaman has also endorsed the move, describing the Englishman as a 'real talent'. 'I would like that move because I still think Marcus Rashford has got a lot to offer,' Seaman said on The Good, The Bad & The Football. 'He's still very dangerous when he's on it. But then, straight away, my head then goes, “Who's he gonna replace?” We've got [Gabriel] Martinelli and [Leandro] Trossard. If they sign Rashford, they're probably going to get rid of one of those two. But he is a real talent.'
Manchester United's transfer plans
United will hope that Rashford's potential sale helps raise funds for incomings, with central midfield a clear priority for manager Michael Carrick. The Red Devils looked set to complete a deal for Brazil international Ederson but backed out of a £35 million deal due to concerns over his medical. Instead, United appear to be pursuing a £50 million deal for Chelsea's Andrey Santos.
Ferdinand believes Santos could provide plenty of upside for his former club. 'I think there's a lot of growth, there's a lot of potential,' Ferdinand said. 'I spoke to one of the guys behind the scenes at recruitment at Chelsea when he first went there and they were raving about him and the potential in the kid. He'll be a Brazil national team player for the next 10 years no doubts in my mind. He's not the main midfielder at Chelsea but Man United I think have bought someone of the right profile for the club who's going to be one of two or three midfielders that they sign this year. They're not going to go out and blow the whole budget on one big player if it doesn't sit right with the club in terms of the right budget for the club and that's where we're at right now.'
