3 reasons why Arsenal should consider Marcus Rashford transfer

Marcus Rashford leaving Manchester United this summer is certainly a possibility.

The club's once anointed golden boy has endured a difficult campaign in Manchester, with the winger so often subject to harsh media scrutiny. His relationship with manager Erik ten Hag has come under the microscope, too, and although the Dutchman is likely to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season, INEOS are reportedly happy to listen to offers for a long list of first teamers, including Rashford.

David Ornstein writes that United will only consider a sale for a substantial fee, and if the player declares his desire to move on. This possibility currently appears slim, especially if Ten Hag departs, there's scope for interested parties to make their move.

Here are three reasons why Arsenal should enter the Rashford sweepstake and attempt to prise the England international away from Manchester.

1. Position of need

Who'd have thought it, huh?

Imagine telling your average Gooner in January that Kai Havertz would completely alter Arsenal's summer transfer plan, shifting their frontline priority from striker to winger. A chuckle would've followed, surely?

The Gunners could add a #9 to their ranks ahead of 2024/25, but Havertz's form has reduced the need for the club to go all out at that position. Instead, the club could splash out down the flanks.

Gabriel Martinelli has endured a down year, Bukayo Saka still needs an able deputy, while Leandro Trossard is a more than handy rotational piece. Arsenal could do with one more star in wide areas to complement their current crop, potentially giving Martinelli the kick up the backside he needs - if Trossard hasn't done that already.

2. Elite transition threat

There are very few weaknesses in this Arsenal team. Mikel Arteta has evolved his side into a physical juggernaut, one capable of winning matches a myriad of ways.

The Gunners are typically able to suffocate their opponents and assert all-out control, but there are rare occasions where a transition-heavy plan works wonders. Arsenal are good enough to block space and shut any opponents out, but there have been times where a minimal transition threat has limited them going forward. Think about the stalemate at the Etihad.

Arsenal aren't currently blessed with counter-attacking specialists. In Rashford, they'd be acquiring a master. The Englishman has shone for transition-heavy United sides ever since Jose Mourinho succeeded Louis van Gaal. The winger is lightning quick and incredibly direct. He's ever so hard to stop in full flight.

Arsenal would be signing Rashford for much more than his mere counter-attacking threat, but his addition would be ever so useful for big away games, especially in Europe.

3. Sharpshooter

Rashford can certainly go hot and cold, and his stock is at its lowest in quite some time. There have been some character concerns, but there's no doubt the tumultuous environment at Man Utd has exacerbated such issues.

Arteta would know how to manage and maximise him, there's no doubt about that.

Naysayers will slander Rashford's consistency, but this is a winger who's scored 83 Premier League goals and recorded 191 goals and assists (GA) in 293 starts since making his United debut as a 17-year-old in 2016. The winger also averages 0.64 GA per 90 minutes in all competitions.

Not only is Rashford rapid and blessed with dazzling feet, but he's also a supreme ball-striker who can score from distance - Arteta and Arsenal know all too well. Against deep-lying defences, such a trait is invaluable, and Rashford is also capable of shifting the pace of an attack in an instant with a rapid combination and slick burst in behind.

At his best, Rashford is a game-breaking talent capable of rivalling the world's elite at his position. United haven't seen that version of the 26-year-old very often this season, but I'd back Arteta to ensure we see the utopian iteration of the winger more often than not should he join the Gunners this summer.

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