Arsenal have been advised to consider a move for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford after their pursuit of Vinicius Junior fell through. The Gunners had shown interest in the Brazilian during his contract standoff with Real Madrid, with Mikel Arteta even sending a personal message to the player.
However, Vinicius has now signed a new six-year deal with Real Madrid, ending any hopes of a transfer. Arsenal remain keen to strengthen their attack, and former Chelsea defender William Gallas believes Rashford would be a suitable alternative.
Rashford's situation at Manchester United
Rashford is looking for a new club after failing to secure a permanent move to Barcelona, where he spent last season on loan. The 28-year-old is due back at Old Trafford but is expected to be sold before the transfer deadline. United are reportedly willing to let him go for around £40m, with rivals Manchester City and Liverpool excluded from any deal.
Gallas, speaking to iPredicta, said: 'Arsenal won the Premier League with that squad, but maybe they have to make some changes if they want to play in every competition. They have to bring quality players and a lot of players at the same time. Those players will want to be in the starting eleven, so you have to deal with their ego.'
Gallas backs Rashford for Arsenal
'That's why what is very important is to bring the right player who will be happy to play from the bench, because joining a big club like Arsenal will add pressure every game you play, and we have to know if that player can play under that pressure. Of course, Marcus Rashford would be a great option for Arsenal's attack. I think he had a great season, and I'm sure some clubs will try to jump on that situation.'
'I don't think he will stay at Manchester United. I'm not sure why no one has signed him yet, maybe because the price is too high. He wants to leave Man United, otherwise, he would not have gone on loan to Barcelona. He will try to find a solution to leave the club and to sign a long contract with another British club.'
Gallas added: 'So now the question is if Man United are ready to sell him. That is the question. We have to know the answer.'
Vinicius Junior's new contract
Vinicius, meanwhile, has committed his future to Real Madrid until 2032. After the announcement, he posted on social media: 'Eight years at the Bernabeu are too short… Six more years, and then forever.' Real Madrid said in a statement: 'Vinicius Jr has become one of the most important players in one of the most successful periods in our history.'
Arsenal, who won the Premier League and reached the Champions League final last season, have already signed Bruno Guimaraes, Christos Tzolis, and Illan Meslier this summer. They face Manchester City in the Community Shield next weekend before beginning their title defence against newly-promoted Coventry City on August 21.
