Martin Keown has dismissed speculation linking Arsenal with a move for Manchester United outcast Marcus Rashford, saying he would be 'surprised' if the transfer materialises. The former Arsenal defender's comments come as the Premier League champions adjust their transfer plans after being gazumped by Chelsea for Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers.
Keown's Verdict on Rashford to Arsenal
Speaking to talkSPORT, Keown said: 'I don't see that, I'd be surprised if that happened.' He acknowledged Rashford's loan spell at Aston Villa was productive, but questioned whether a return to Manchester would be beneficial. 'I think he's back on track now,' Keown added, referencing off-field issues that may have derailed the forward's career.
Arsenal have had a quiet start to the summer transfer window following their Premier League title win. Free agent Illan Meslier remains the only new arrival, though the club made Piero Hincapie's loan permanent for £35 million last month.
Rogers Snubs Arsenal for Chelsea
Widespread reports had identified Morgan Rogers as Arsenal's primary target after the 23-year-old's standout season at Aston Villa, where he scored 10 goals and provided six assists in the league. However, Chelsea hijacked the deal with a staggering £117 million offer, surpassing the £107 million they paid for Enzo Fernandez three years ago.
Keown suggested the move was financially motivated. 'He must have been too expensive for Arsenal,' he said. 'My take on it is Unai Emery wouldn't have wanted him to go to Arsenal. If you ask the player, wholeheartedly, does he want to join the current champions or does he want to go to Chelsea? But that's not going to be allowed to happen because this is a money move.'
Rogers underwent a medical with Chelsea on Monday and has agreed a six-year contract until 2032.
Arsenal's Transfer Plans
Keown believes Arsenal still need reinforcements in midfield and on the left wing, and possibly a striker. 'I think that's a lot of money [for Rogers], I think that's too much money and maybe there's a better route to go,' he said. 'Maybe there's a player somewhere who you can unearth, someone not quite so well known.'
A £34 million deal for Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis has reportedly been struck, while Leandro Trossard's departure to Besiktas last week has left a void on the left flank. Keown added: 'I think they need another midfield player, someone who can control things. Then, I think they need a left winger. Maybe they're going into the transfer market for a striker. I wouldn't put it past them.'
Impact on Aston Villa
Keown expressed sympathy for Aston Villa, who lost both Rogers and Youri Tielemans to balance financial regulations. 'Villa were building something really special,' he said. 'Morgan Rogers, let's talk about him as an incredible talent. Villa went and got him from Manchester City when nobody else was really interested for peanuts.'
He described Rogers as a 'big loss' for Villa, adding: 'I think he's a real talent, he showed that in the World Cup.'
