Ally McCoist has claimed that Marcus Rashford could 'thrive' under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, but the former Rangers striker has questioned whether a move to the Emirates would be in the Englishman's best interests.
Rashford's Current Situation at Barcelona
Rashford left Manchester United last summer to join Barcelona on a season-long loan deal, with an option to make the move permanent for €30 million (£26 million). Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick is keen to secure the permanent transfer, but recent reports from Spain suggest the deal could collapse after the La Liga giants indicated they wanted to negotiate a lower fee.
Should Rashford not extend his stay at Barcelona, the 28-year-old will not be short of suitors if he fails to reintegrate into Manchester United's first-team plans. McCoist believes Rashford has all the capabilities to become a pivotal player for Arsenal, who are looking to strengthen their options on the left wing this summer.
McCoist's Verdict on Arsenal Move
'100 per cent I could see him playing there,' McCoist told talkSPORT Bet Casino. 'Marcus Rashford could thrive at Arsenal.' However, he insisted that competition for places at Arsenal, combined with Rashford's promising first season in Spain, makes a move to Barcelona more enticing in his eyes.
'They [Arsenal] would have to offload first,' McCoist added. 'The right-hand side of the attack, I'm thinking about Madueke, Saka, you throw in Martinelli, Trossard on the left. If I was Marcus Rashford, I'd probably want him to think about staying where I am at the moment.'
McCoist further elaborated: 'I don't know what the deal is, Hansi Flick has been very complimentary about him, and he's done well when he's come in, goal returns good, assists good. If I'm Marcus Rashford, I'm going to stay where I am. Especially given he's going to win the league.'
Barcelona's Stance on Permanent Transfer
Speaking in March about making Rashford's move permanent, Barcelona's sporting director Deco said: 'We have a clear vision regarding Rashford, and we know what needed to be done for him to stay. But the matter is related to Financial Fair Play, priorities, performance, and evaluation with the coach. It's something we haven't done yet because it's not the right time.'
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