Arsenal could move for Rashford as Man Utd transfer raised with £50m deal to be confirmed

Marcus Rashford could be the subject of a late swoop from Arsenal, after Gabriel Martinelli's exit is complete. The Gunners are said to be considering a loan move for the Manchester United ace.

Rashford was expected to join Barcelona following his successful loan spell, but the Catalan side decided against triggering the £26million clause included in their initial agreement with United. The 28-year-old was still widely expected to leave, but ultimately has returned to the fold at Old Trafford with no move in the offing.

United boss Michael Carrick brought Rashford off the bench against Hull City, and could use him from the start against Ipswich Town but with days remaining of the transfer window, the forward has been linked with a move again. Arsenal and Chelsea have been linked to making an effort to land the England international in the final throws of the summer window.

Arsenal's primary target is Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez. That move currently looks difficult, but Mikel Arteta is sad to be unfazed over the prospect of missing out.

But with Martinelli set to join Al Hilal in a £50million move, there is reported to be some 'internal surprise' that a replacement hasn't been secured. The Independent reports that it could trigger Arsenal to submit a late loan offer for Rashford.

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The 28-year-old still has two years left on his contract with United and appears to have been warmly welcome by Carrick. The reintegration of Rashford would seem to make any attempt to sign the player more challenging than it was earlier in the summer.

Arsenal may be exploring other options with a deal for Alvarez appearing challenging to complete. When questioned about discussions with Alvarez, Mikel Arteta responded: "Don't go there."

Doubt persists over whether the Gunners might strengthen their attacking options. it is understood Arsenal remain extremely interested in signing Alvarez, but will only proceed if they receive complete commitment from the player.

Alvarez, who will be absent for Atletico this weekend after missing training due to illness, has been eager to join Barcelona this summer. His current club declined to enter discussions with the Catalan side following their behaviour, though.

"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," Atletico said in a statement.

"The members of the Board of Directors are aware that: Atletico Madrid is open to negotiations that are part of the transfer market, but always in an ethical and professional manner and with respect between clubs.

"We fully support the position previously communicated by the club that FC Barcelona have not met these requirements and, as a result, there have been no negotiations, nor will there be any negotiations with them regarding the transfer of Julián Alvarez."

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