Arsenal are in the market for a centre forward and a speedy winger this summer, and an interesting name has been mooted in Manchester United star Marcus Rashford.
Rashford has endured a difficult season under Erik ten Hag, losing his spot in the England squad for the European Championships as a result.
The 26-year-old is Man United’s talisman and one of their highest earners, and despite his poor form, United may be reluctant to let him join a rival in Arsenal.
Links between Arsenal and Rashford emerged in recent weeks, but there is nothing concrete in these yet, but the question has been raised of whether Mikel Arteta should pursue a move for him in the hope that he can revive his career.
Alan Brazil claims Marcus Rashford could succeed at Arsenal
Former Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna recently claimed that Rashford could become a success at the Emirates, and talkSPORT pundit Alan Brazil has agreed, but has also warned of one issue.
“I would go with that all day long. I would go with that all day long. Arsenal are crying out for a centre-forward, maybe not on the left-hand side forward, someone who will get in the box and score goals. He has got it all,” he stated of a potential move for Rashford.
“I am not going to mention Henry because of the similarities and Henry was so polished. Marcus, with his pace, some of the goals he scored, he needs an arm around him.
“If he played for Arsenal, with the midfield they have got, he would get loads of chances. Arteta, by the way, is no mug. He wouldn’t put up with any nonsense.”
Arteta should avoid move for Marcus Rashford
In his time at Arsenal, Arteta has helped foster a culture of a strong work ethic in the squad, and teammates all fighting on the same page.
Having someone with Rashford’s temperament in the squad could disrupt that. Part of the criticism levelled at Rashford this season has been for his work rate, as the forward has refused to press or track back to help his team at times.
Brazil is right that Arteta would not put up with Rashford’s frustrating efforts at all. Superior players to Rashford in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Ozil were frozen out of the squad by Arteta as they did not conform to the high behavioural standards he expects from his players.
There is simply too much risk, without a huge reward, at the end of any big-money deal to sign Rashford. On his best day he is an excellent finisher and a speedy option in attack, but these days have been few and far between in the last 12 months.