Arsenal are in the market for a winger and a striker this summer, and a shock target has been mooted in Manchester United star Marcus Rashford.
Rumours have circulated that Mikel Arteta is keen on speaking to Rashford about a potential move, after a season of struggle at his boyhood club.
A deal does seem far-fetched for now. Rashford would likely come with a very high transfer fee, that is if United want to sell to a historic rival, and as a boyhood Man United fan, it is unclear whether he would even consider a move to North London.
Despite his struggles this season, a move may make sense for several reasons. Putting any red flags over him aside, he does fit the profile of attacker Arsenal need, and Arteta may have a trick up his sleeve to get him back to his best.
Arteta could rebuild Marcus Rashford’s career at Arsenal like Kai Havertz
In the event Rashford does join Arsenal this summer, it would be an eyebrow-raising signing like Kai Havertz was last summer. After a few months of adjustment, Havertz is now flying as a striker for Arsenal.
Like Rashford, Havertz struggled in his final season at Chelsea, and was heavily criticised for his performances. His confidence was on the floor, but playing under Arteta helped him return to his best form.
Havertz serves as the perfect example for a struggling player. Join Arteta’s Arsenal, and they will likely find their best tactical fit and play with more confidence.
How Marcus Rashford would fit into Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal system
Arsenal need to add speed to their front line, and Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao seems to be the perfect option.
Rashford could come in as a Premier League-proven starter on the left wing, with Gabriel Martinelli now able to play on the right to provide cover for Bukayo Saka.
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Two seasons ago, Rashford scored 17 goals and assisted five times in 35 Premier League games from the left-wing, and would add deadly speed in transition, which Arteta’s squad lacks beyond Martinelli.
Having a player with that kind of pace, experience and finishing ability, at the age of 26, may be a tempting proposal for Arteta despite the problems with any deal for Rashford, and even if nothing materialises, any interest in the Englishman shows that Arsenal are aware of what profile of attacker they would like to add to the squad.