Arsenal could turn to 14-goal winger from PL rival to replace Martinelli
Arsenal could explore a surprise late move for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford as the Premier League champions consider replacing Gabriel Martinelli before the transfer window closes.
Martinelli is closing in on a move to Al-Hilal after Arsenal made progress towards an agreement with the Saudi Pro League club, leaving Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta potentially short of another established option on the left wing.
The Independent reports that there has been some internal surprise that Arsenal allowed Martinelli’s departure to advance without first securing a direct replacement, with some sources suggesting Rashford could now emerge as a temporary solution.
There is no indication that Arsenal have opened formal negotiations with Manchester United, and their priority remains an ambitious pursuit of Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez.
However, Rashford represents an intriguing alternative because of his ability to operate from the left or centrally and his extensive Premier League experience.
The 28-year-old returned to Manchester United this summer following a productive season-long loan at Barcelona, where he registered 14 goals and 15 assists across 49 appearances in all competitions.
Those numbers represented an encouraging return for Rashford following a difficult conclusion to his previous spell at Old Trafford, although Barcelona ultimately decided against making his move permanent.
Rashford has subsequently returned to Manchester United, but uncertainty remains over his long-term future and a departure before the transfer deadline remains possible.
Any Arsenal approach would still require United to sanction a move to a direct Premier League rival, which could complicate negotiations considerably.
The Gunners’ situation has become more pressing because Martinelli is approaching the end of his five-year spell in north London after being omitted from Arteta’s squads for their opening two competitive matches of the season.
Arsenal have already strengthened their wide options with Christos Tzolis this summer, but Martinelli’s departure would remove another experienced attacker from a squad attempting to defend the Premier League title and go one better after last season’s Champions League final defeat.
Arteta’s preferred addition remains Alvarez, whom Arsenal believe could significantly raise the ceiling of their attack.
Atletico Madrid’s emphatic refusal to negotiate with Barcelona has strengthened Arsenal’s position, but the Spanish club are demanding a package worth around €150 million and there remain significant obstacles to completing the deal.
Alvarez must also be convinced to return to England after previously favouring Barcelona, although recent reports suggest he has given increasing consideration to Arsenal.
That leaves the Gunners needing to keep alternative possibilities open as the deadline approaches.
Rashford would represent a very different type of deal, particularly if Arsenal could secure him temporarily rather than committing another substantial transfer fee after an already busy summer.
His 29 direct goal contributions for Barcelona last season also demonstrate that he could provide immediate attacking output rather than merely additional squad depth.
For now, Rashford appears to be a contingency rather than Arsenal’s primary plan, but Martinelli’s impending departure could force the champions to act quickly if their pursuit of Alvarez does not produce a breakthrough.
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