Arsenal are reportedly considering a late loan move for Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford, with Gabriel Martinelli's departure to Al-Hilal said to be imminent. The Gunners are believed to be interested in a temporary deal for the 28-year-old with just days left in the transfer window.
Rashford was strongly linked with an Old Trafford exit at the start of the summer but was reintegrated into the squad by Michael Carrick during pre-season. Arsenal's primary target remains Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid, though they are reportedly relaxed about potentially missing out on him.
Internal surprise at Arsenal
There is said to be some 'internal surprise' at the Gunners that Martinelli could join Al-Hilal for £50m without a replacement being secured. The Independent reports that this could prompt Arsenal to submit a late loan offer for Rashford, who naturally operates on the left wing.
Rashford spent last season on loan at Barcelona, but the Catalan side declined to trigger the clause that would have allowed them to purchase the player for £26million. He still has two years remaining on his Old Trafford contract, and Carrick has reiterated that he is a United player this season.
Rashford's return complicates deal
Rashford's return to the fold would appear to complicate any attempt to secure his signature compared to earlier in the summer. The forward may feature against Ipswich this weekend, with Carrick stating he has been 'delighted' with Rashford since his comeback.
Arsenal may be exploring other options as a deal for Alvarez appears challenging to complete. When asked how conversations with Alvarez had gone, Mikel Arteta retorted: "Don't go there."
Alvarez pursuit continues
Therefore, doubt remains about whether the Gunners will strengthen their attacking options. football.london claims Arsenal continue to have strong interest in signing the Argentinian, but will only proceed if they receive full commitment from the player.
Alvarez, who will miss Atletico's match this weekend after being absent from training due to illness, has been eager to move to Barcelona this summer. However, his current club declined to enter discussions with the Catalan side because of their behaviour.
"The members of Atletico Madrid's Board of Directors have unanimously expressed their full support for the club's decision not to negotiate the transfer of Julian Alvarez to FC Barcelona," Atletico said in a statement.
"The members of the Board of Directors are aware that: Atletico Madrid is open to negotiations that are part of the transfer market, but always in an ethical and professional manner and with respect between clubs.
"We fully support the position previously communicated by the club that FC Barcelona have not met these requirements and, as a result, there have been no negotiations, nor will there be any negotiations with them regarding the transfer of Julián Alvarez."
