Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have both reportedly held discussions regarding a potential summer move for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, following an impressive loan spell at Barcelona. The La Liga club holds a £26 million option to buy the England international but is keen to add another striker to their squad.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick would prefer a further loan arrangement for Rashford, which would provide financial flexibility to bring in an additional forward. Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon is already close to completing a move to the Nou Camp in a deal worth approximately £69 million.
According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United and Rashford are set for crucial talks this week regarding his future, with the England star seeking clarity on his situation ahead of the World Cup. Rashford recorded 14 goals and 14 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions for Barcelona and has openly expressed his desire to make his move to the Catalan club permanent.
Aston Villa have also entered the conversation regarding a summer move for Rashford, having made a strong impression during a loan stint at Villa Park at the end of last season. Barcelona are reportedly keen admirers of Chelsea forward Joao Pedro, though the Blues have no intention of parting with the Brazilian. There have also been links to Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez.
Arsenal are actively seeking a winger this summer as they look to strengthen their attacking options following their Premier League title triumph. However, the Gunners will likely need to offload several first-team players, with Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Ethan Nwaneri, and Ben White all linked with departures from the Emirates Stadium. Tottenham, meanwhile, are looking to strengthen their squad after a nail-biting escape from relegation on the final day of the season.
Addressing his transfer plans, De Zerbi said: "Listen, we have a great relationship with Johan and Vinai and the whole board. I have no doubt, but it's right because I came to start a new plan, a new project, and the plan was not in Sunderland. It was after Everton, staying in the Premier League. My target was very clear at the beginning. I gave all my best. I pushed to arrive at today. From today, we have to start to work."
He added: "Look, my target when I came was today, to arrive today, after the last game and planning the next Premier League. I'm sure we have not to change too many players. It's not right. It's not right because we are lucky to have a lot of good players, a lot of good guys. I think we have to complete the squad in the best way, with the first level of players, with the right behaviour of the players, because now the qualities of the players are important, but more important is the spirit, the mentality of these players - and now the job starts."
