Marcus Rashford Emerges as a Surprise Target for Manchester United’s Arch Rivals Arsenal

• Arsenal has emerged as a possible destination for underperforming Marcus Rashford in the summer
• The Gunners are ready to splurge cash in the transfer market and it's said they are setting aside 45 million euros for the attacker
• Mikel Arteta wants at least one new striker with Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah nearing the end of their contracts

Arsenal have grown to be a surprise contender for Manchester United’s striker Marcus Rashford. The Gunners are hoping to buy at least one striker, and Rashford’s name becomes the latest entrant in that wish list.

The departure of talismanic forward Pierre Emerick Aubameyang to Barcelona in the January transfer window left a huge gap in Arsenal’s attack line. And with Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah nearing the end of their contracts, the need for a new striker is urgent.

Marcus Rashford is going through one of his worst performances in a United shirt. He has only managed to score five goals in all competitions, with most of them coming from the bench.

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Football Insider understands that Arsenal are ready to table a 45 million euros bid for the 24-year-old. Sources had earlier intimated that Rashford would be willing to quit United this summer to reignite his career elsewhere as the Qatar World Cup looms.

Champions League priority can be a determining factor

The England star is still under contract until next season, and it will require new manager Erik Ten Haag to decide on whether he wants to keep him.

Mikel Arteta is also following up on Gabriel Jesus' situation at Manchester City. In 2019, the forward had heaped praise on Arteta, calling him a fantastic human being. He could be tempted to seek a move elsewhere should City go through with signing Erling Haaland.

Rashford could also consider making the Emirates switch should the Gunners finish in the top four. Arsenal are currently in the last position for Champions League qualification and are hoping to maintain their grip in the last five games of the season.

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United, meanwhile, are way off Champions League qualification places. A chance to play in the elite competition could tempt Rashford.

Arsenal's other possibilities

Sports Brief had earlier reported on all the transfer options Arsenal are pursuing. Apart from Jesus, the Gunners will keep an eye on the Victor Osimhen situation at Napoli. They would also revisit Tammy Abraham at AS Roma. They nearly got the former Chelsea man, but he chose to go to Italy instead.