Arsenal are monitoring Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford and have renewed interest in Real Madrid's Endrick, according to the latest transfer gossip reported by BBC Sport Football. The Gunners, who sit third in the Premier League with three points from one game, are exploring attacking options as the 2026-08-31 deadline approaches.
Teamtalk reports that Arsenal are keeping tabs on 28-year-old Rashford, with Barcelona also showing interest in the England international. Manchester United have not ruled out the possibility of the forward leaving Old Trafford this summer. Arsenal's need for attacking reinforcement is heightened by current injury concerns, with Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli among those sidelined, as shown on the club's injuries page.
Why are Arsenal targeting forwards?
Mikel Arteta's side started the season with a win, scoring three goals without conceding. They are already three points behind leaders Manchester City in the title race. The absence of key attackers has prompted the club to assess the market. Rashford's Premier League experience and versatility across the front line make him an appealing target. His potential availability comes at a time when Arsenal face Aston Villa away in their next fixture, with Villa currently 19th in the table.
Endrick represents a different profile. The 20-year-old Brazilian forward is reportedly concerned about his place in the pecking order at Real Madrid. Arsenal's renewed interest, also reported by Teamtalk, suggests they are looking at both immediate and long-term solutions. The club's current squad shows a mix of established stars and younger talent, and adding a player of Endrick's potential would fit their recruitment model.
How does this fit with Arsenal's current situation?
The Gunners have begun the campaign positively but face squad challenges. Alongside the attacking absences, defenders Jurriën Timber and William Saliba are also unavailable, while midfielder Bruno Guimarães is sidelined. This context makes any potential moves before the deadline particularly significant. The club's standings position reflects a strong start, but maintaining a title challenge requires depth.
Arteta has consistently emphasized the need for a competitive squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts. Monitoring players like Rashford and Endrick indicates the club is proactive in identifying opportunities. Rashford's contract situation and United's openness to a sale create a potential window. Endrick's reported concerns about minutes at Madrid could make a move more plausible.
What happens next for Arsenal?
The immediate focus is the away match against Aston Villa. Any transfer activity would need to be concluded swiftly with the deadline imminent. The gossip reported by BBC Sport Football remains speculative, but it highlights the areas Arsenal may be looking to strengthen. The club's recruitment team is likely working on several fronts simultaneously.
Fans can track the team's upcoming schedule on the official fixtures page. The next week will be decisive for the Gunners' early-season trajectory, both on the pitch and in the transfer market. Securing additional attacking quality could be important for sustaining their positive goal difference of +3 and keeping pace with Manchester City at the top.
