Chelsea legend Joe Cole has urged the club to consider signing Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford this summer. The 28-year-old England international is currently at the World Cup with the national team, but his club future remains uncertain after a loan spell at Barcelona.
Rashford's Uncertain Future
Rashford still belongs to Manchester United but appears unlikely to feature for the Red Devils again. Barcelona have the option to make his move permanent for £26 million but have not yet triggered the clause, with the deadline set for June 15. The Catalan giants recently signed Anthony Gordon from Newcastle for nearly £70 million, reducing the likelihood of them exercising the option.
Rashford has expressed a desire to return to Barcelona and has even offered to take a pay cut from his Manchester United wages. However, if Barcelona do not finalize the deal, other clubs are expected to show interest.
Bayern Munich and Chelsea Linked
Bayern Munich have been linked with a move for the 71-cap England star, but Cole believes Chelsea should explore a deal. With Xabi Alonso set to take over as Chelsea manager, Cole thinks Rashford would be a valuable addition.
“It’s just a matter of the wages and the valuation,” Cole told The Sun. “Rashford ticks a lot of boxes, but you don’t want to spend a fortune on him – he’d do a good job for Chelsea. He needs to keep going, Marcus, he needs to keep his confidence up because he rebuilt himself at Barcelona, and there’s still another level for him to jump to. He’s someone Chelsea should inquire about, but it’ll depend on the deal.”
Faith in Rashford Remains
Despite his uncertain club situation, faith in Rashford remains high. England manager Thomas Tuchel is a fan and is expected to use him regularly at the World Cup, either as a starter or as an option off the bench to replace Gordon.
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has also suggested that Premier League champions Arsenal should target Rashford. “That would be a great move, a great move for both parties,” Scholes said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast. “I think Arsenal would be a great move for him and the club.”
