Chelsea legend Joe Cole believes the Blues should consider signing Marcus Rashford from Manchester United this summer. The 28-year-old forward is currently with the England squad at the World Cup, but his club future remains uncertain.
Rashford's uncertain future
Rashford is still a Manchester United player after a loan spell at Barcelona, but he appears unlikely to play for the Red Devils again. Barcelona have the option to sign him permanently for £26 million, a seemingly bargain price, but have yet to exercise that clause. The Catalan giants have until June 15 to make the move, but their likelihood of doing so decreased after they signed Anthony Gordon from Newcastle for nearly £70 million.
Rashford has expressed his desire to return to Barcelona and has even offered to take a pay cut from his Manchester United salary. However, nothing is decided, and other clubs could enter the race if Barcelona do not secure the 71-cap England international. Bayern Munich have also been linked with Rashford.
Cole's recommendation
Joe Cole, speaking to The Sun, urged Chelsea's incoming manager Xabi Alonso to explore a deal for Rashford. 'It's just a matter of the wages and the valuation,' Cole said. 'Rashford ticks a lot of boxes, but you don't want to spend a fortune on him – he'd do a good job for Chelsea.'
Cole added: 'He needs to keep going, Marcus, he needs to keep his confidence up because he rebuilt himself at Barcelona, and there's still another level for him to jump to. He's someone Chelsea should inquire about, but it'll depend on the deal.'
Other interest and opinions
England boss Thomas Tuchel is a fan of Rashford and is likely to use him regularly at the World Cup, either as a starter or off the bench. Manchester United legend Paul Scholes also suggested that Premier League champions Arsenal should consider signing Rashford. 'That would be a great move, a great move for both parties,' Scholes said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast. 'I think Arsenal would be a great move for him and the club.'
While Rashford's Manchester United career seems over and Barcelona are stalling, there remains strong faith in his abilities. Chelsea, under new manager Xabi Alonso, could be a potential destination if the deal is right.
