Arsenal have reportedly made a surprising move for Manchester United's Marcus Rashford, offering £21 million to secure the forward's services this January.
Rashford, 27, recently expressed his desire for a "new challenge" after being sidelined at Old Trafford. Despite a contract running until 2028, his £300,000-a-week wages have deterred potential suitors, with the player showing little interest in moves to Saudi Arabia or Turkey.
Italian journalist Massimo Marianella revealed that Arsenal contacted Manchester United on Friday, proposing a €25 million (£21 million) bid for Rashford. This offer is below United's £40 million valuation but could be appealing, considering other clubs prefer loan deals that would still burden United with a portion of Rashford's salary.
For Arsenal, integrating Rashford could enhance their attacking options, especially with Bukayo Saka's recent injury concerns. However, accommodating Rashford's substantial wages poses a challenge, as his current earnings surpass those of Arsenal's top earner, Kai Havertz, who is on £280,000 per week.
The potential acquisition has sparked debate among fans and pundits. Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy suggests that Rashford could rejuvenate his career at Arsenal, benefiting from Mikel Arteta's management and the team's dominant playstyle.
Conversely, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher questions Rashford's current form, expressing skepticism about his ability to make an immediate impact at a top club like Arsenal.
As the January transfer window approaches, Arsenal's pursuit of Rashford will be a storyline to watch. Securing the England international could provide the Gunners with a versatile forward, potentially boosting their Premier League title ambitions.
Personally, I'd take the risk on Rashford. Class is at least semi-permanent and the England star could make a huge difference at Arsenal. However, Sterling hasn't exactly set the world on fire since arriving, so this deal is far from definite.
More likely, in fact, definitely happening is Arsenal's support of No More Red. That sounds great, as it is a good cause, but what about the white kit? Is there any Arsenal fan who likes it? I suspect the answer is 'no'. As well as that, no one remembers Arsenal winning wear that kit, so don't be surprised if Arsenal crash out of the FA Cup this weekend!
Meanwhile, Arsenal's young winger, Marquinhos, has embarked on another loan spell, joining Brazilian side Cruzeiro until December 2025.
This marks his fourth loan since signing with the Gunners in 2022.
Marquinhos, now 21, initially returned to Brazil in February 2024, joining Fluminense on a year-long loan.
During his tenure, he made 29 appearances, contributing two goals and two assists, and played a role in Fluminense's Recopa Sudamericana triumph.
Despite his potential, Marquinhos has found first-team opportunities at Arsenal limited, making only a handful of appearances since his arrival from São Paulo.
His previous loan stints include time at Norwich City and Nantes, aiming to gain valuable experience and match exposure.
Arsenal's current injury concerns, particularly in the attacking department, have not altered Mikel Arteta's decision to facilitate Marquinhos's development through regular playing time elsewhere.
As the Brazilian winger continues his journey with Cruzeiro, Gunners fans will be keen to monitor his progress, hopeful that consistent performances could pave the way for a more prominent role at the Emirates upon his return.
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