Arsenal are considering a late loan move for Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford as they approach the end of the summer transfer window. This comes as the club prepares to finalise the £50 million sale of Gabriel Martinelli to Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, according to a report from Daily Mirror Football this week.
Mikel Arteta's side currently sit second in the Premier League table with three points from their opening game, having scored three goals without conceding. Their next test is an away trip to face Aston Villa on 31 August. The potential departure of Martinelli has reportedly caused some internal surprise at the Emirates Stadium, given that a direct replacement has not yet been secured.
Why is Marcus Rashford a target?
Marcus Rashford represents a potential short-term solution for Arsenal's attacking options. The 28-year-old England international has two years remaining on his Manchester United contract but finds himself in a complex situation. He was expected to join Barcelona after a successful loan spell, but the Catalan club decided against triggering a £26 million clause in their agreement. Rashford has since returned to Old Trafford, where manager Michael Carrick has brought him off the bench against Hull City and may start him against Ipswich Town. This reintegration makes any attempt to sign him more challenging for Arsenal, but the club's interest remains. Both Arsenal and Chelsea have been linked with a late effort to land the forward.
What is the status of Julian Alvarez?
Arsenal's primary target to bolster their attack is Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez. The club remains extremely interested in the player but will only proceed with a move if they receive complete commitment from him. A transfer currently looks difficult. Alvarez has been eager to join Barcelona this summer, but Atletico Madrid declined to enter discussions with their La Liga rivals. The club's Board of Directors unanimously expressed full support for this decision. In a statement, Atletico Madrid said, "The members of Atletico Madrid's Board of Directors have unanimously expressed their full support for the club's decision not to negotiate the transfer of Julian Alvarez to FC Barcelona." They added that Barcelona had not met their requirements for ethical and professional negotiations. Alvarez will be absent for Atletico this weekend after missing training due to illness.
How does this affect Arsenal's squad planning?
The imminent sale of Gabriel Martinelli for a reported £50 million fee creates an immediate need in the squad. Arteta is said to be unfazed over the prospect of missing out on Alvarez, but the club is actively exploring alternatives. A loan move for Rashford would provide experienced cover without a long-term financial commitment, allowing flexibility for future windows. Arsenal's strong start to the season, with a perfect defensive record so far, provides a solid platform, but adding depth is seen as important for the campaign ahead. Fans can track the evolving squad situation on our squad page.
What happens next for Arsenal?
The final days of the transfer window will be decisive for Arsenal's attacking line. Securing a replacement for Martinelli is now the immediate priority. While the pursuit of Alvarez appears stalled, the Rashford loan represents a tangible, if short-term, option. Arteta was brief when asked about the speculation, simply stating, "Don't go there." The manager's focus will quickly return to the pitch, with a crucial away match against Aston Villa looming. You can view the full schedule on our fixtures page. How the club navigates this period could impact their ability to maintain their early positive momentum, which sees them just behind the league leaders on goal difference. The current standings show a tightly packed top of the table.
