According to recent reports, Arsenal’s interest have switched to Marcus Rashford as they look for offensive alternatives.
In little over two weeks, Arsenal will enter the summer transfer window and are expected to be among the busiest teams on the market. Meanwhile, Manager Mikel Arteta is expected to trim the squad further and move some fringe players on to raise funds for more targeted buys.
Arsenal are better than last season, but they need to strengthen fully to bridge the gap, and ideally go past Manchester City. For the fans, a transfer window in prospect holds excitement and expectation as the club makes an effort to improve their squad.
Arsenal meets with Marcus Rashford
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was recently in discussions to sign Marcus Rashford, according to Football.london.. Supposedly, a variety of topics were covered during these conversations and seemingly both sides being open to the possibility of dealing.
Rashford has long been linked with Arsenal; this is merely the latest in a series of ongoing rumours. His long-term future at Old Trafford may still be in doubt despite recently signing a new long-term deal last summer.
With four years remaining on his contract, Marcus Rashford commands a hefty salary of over £300,000 per week at Old Trafford.
However, after a disappointing season and the possibility of yet another managerial change, his future at his boyhood club has become uncertain. Rashford, a 26-year-old striker, has been inconsistent, which has frustrated some members of the United fanbase.
In the 2023–24 season, he managed only seven league goals, a stark contrast to the 30 he scored the year before. As a result, his value has dropped recently, and his international career has reached a snag.
Arsenal on the other hand are looking to strenghten their attack, following a disappointing season for their Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus, who scored just four league goals throughout the 2023-2024 season.
How is Marcus Rashford a perfect fit to Arsenal’s attack?
His pace would help in speeding up transition
Arsenal is quite good at regaining possession of the ball in midfield and moving quickly into attack. Rashford is an expert at taking advantage of gaps behind the defense. His rapid speed enables him to outpace opponents, while his dribbling abilities enable him to get around challenges and set up scoring opportunities.
Imagine a scenerio when Arsenal wins the ball in midfield, and then Martin Odegaard or finds Rashford with a final pass. This puts Rashford one-on-one with the goalie, which is a dangerous situation for any defense.
Versatility across the front line
Arteta like his attackers to be fluid and flexible. Rashford’s adaptability up front is a wonderful fit for this way of thinking. Marcus Rashford can easily play has the ability to play from both flanks and can also play as a center striker in a pinch, bothering defenders in the area with his movement and finishing skills. Arteta has a tactical edge because of this versatility which would enable him to exploit mismatches or change formations, depending on the deficiencies of the opposition.
New motivation
Marcus Rashford might have underperformed for Manchester United in the just concluded season, however, it is undeniable that he is a quality player.
He could find the motivation he needs by joining a team like Arsenal, where he could potentially become a central attacking figure. His will to succeed could push him to a higher level during his performances.
Arsenal’s attack might reach new heights if Rashford plays with a sense of purpose and a thing to prove. His potential to become as a reliable goal scorer and creative asset might propel Arsenal closer to their aim of challenging for the Premier League championship.
Good ball striking abilitity
One of Marcus Rashford’s stronghold is his good ball striking ability, one that separates him from many Arsenal players. Despite an impressive season that saw the Gunners score over a hundred goals in the just concluded season, only few came from outside the box.
Rashford’s ball striking qualities would prove useful in games with limited spaces, when opponents employ low-block tactics.
