Mikel Arteta tipped to sign £26m Man Utd star for Arsenal: ‘Great option’
Mikel Arteta Tipped to Sign £26m Man Utd Star for Arsenal: 'Great Option'
Mikel Arteta tipped to sign 26m Man - Former Manchester United forward Michael Owen has suggested that Marcus Rashford could become a valuable addition to Arsenal's squad, despite his recent loan move to Barcelona. Owen believes the 28-year-old’s potential to contribute at the Emirates Stadium is worth considering, especially after Barcelona opted against securing a permanent deal for him following their acquisition of Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United.
Rashford’s Loan to Barcelona
Rashford initially aimed to finalize a permanent transfer to Barcelona after his successful loan spell last season. The Catalan club had expressed interest in keeping him, and his performance during the campaign, which included 14 goals across all competitions, made the move enticing. However, the decision to hold off on a permanent transfer has raised questions about his future, with Owen highlighting the possibility of a return to Old Trafford.
Barcelona’s move to sign Gordon, a promising winger, may have shifted their focus, leaving Rashford’s situation in limbo. While the club had the option to trigger a buyout clause, they have chosen not to proceed, potentially opening the door for Rashford to rejoin United. Owen acknowledges the financial aspect, noting that United are eager to offload players, while Barcelona could be playing a strategic game in negotiations.
Arsenal’s Interest in Rashford
Michael Carrick, United’s manager, has hinted at a potential reintegration of Rashford into the team, but Owen remains skeptical. He argues that Carrick’s familiarity with Rashford might create a small window of opportunity, though the likelihood of a return to United is still low. ‘The only chink of light is that it’s Michael Carrick and he knows him,’ Owen remarked, before adding that the situation remains uncertain.
‘Well, if it was any other manager, then I would say it’s impossible,’ Owen stated in an interview with Metro. ‘The only chink of light is that it’s Michael Carrick and he knows him. If he really rates him, then is it beyond the realms? There might be a tiny chink of light, but I still think it’s very unlikely.’
Owen also pointed out that Barcelona’s hesitation could lead to Rashford exploring other options. ‘I know Barcelona didn’t trigger that option yet but United really want to get rid. They know Rashford wants to stay. Barcelona might be playing hardball, and they might say, “we’ll take it, but you know we’re not going to pay that type of fee,” so it still might be a lot of posturing,’ he said.
‘I would still expect him to be at Barcelona next season personally, and I can’t see a return to Manchester United,’ Owen continued. ‘As I say, the one little glimmer of hope for everybody might be that it’s Michael Carrick and he’s working wonders already and he knows him really well.’
Despite the uncertainty, Owen believes Arsenal could be a viable destination for Rashford. He notes that the Gunners are still in search of a reliable center forward, making Rashford an attractive alternative to their current options. ‘Arsenal are still sort of searching for centre forward so it gives you another option up there,’ Owen added. ‘Obviously on the left-hand side, Trossard is a very good player and Martinelli’s a very good player, but they aren’t quite on Rashford’s level when he’s fit and firing.’
Owen further emphasized that Arsenal’s approach to transfers is typically opportunistic. ‘I can’t imagine Arsenal are going to be signing too many players. I expect them just to be quite opportunistic; maybe if a great centre forward comes along or an opportunity to get somebody, then they will act,’ he explained. ‘But I don’t think it’s the worst shout to be honest. I think Rashford’s first priority will be to stay at Barcelona, and I think his team will be working around the clock to try to sort that one out.’
If Barcelona fail to secure Rashford, the England international might need to consider a fresh start elsewhere. Owen suggests that Arsenal could emerge as a strong contender, given their current needs and the player’s track record. ‘But if that doesn’t work, then of course other teams come into the fray and Arsenal could be a great option,’ he concluded.
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Meanwhile, the article also highlights other football-related news. Antonio Valencia, a former United player, has urged the club to pursue a bold move for a Chelsea star, while Roy Keane criticized the World Cup manager’s leadership, calling it ‘personality of dead fish.’ These stories, along with Rashford’s potential transfer, reflect the ongoing drama in global football circles.
As the transfer window progresses, the possibility of Rashford moving to Arsenal remains a topic of discussion. His versatility as a forward, combined with his proven ability to perform under pressure, could provide a significant boost to the Gunners’ attacking options. However, any such move would depend on Barcelona’s willingness to let him go and United’s readiness to accept a lower fee.
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In conclusion, while Rashford’s future appears to be tied to Barcelona, Owen’s analysis suggests that Arsenal could still be a compelling option if the situation unfolds in a certain way. The Gunners’ midfield and attack could benefit from his inclusion, particularly as they seek to strengthen their squad for the upcoming Premier League season. As the football world watches closely, the potential for a new chapter in Rashford’s career remains an exciting possibility.