Paul Scholes Encourages Marcus Rashford to Consider a Move to Arsenal Amid Barcelona Uncertainty
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has encouraged Marcus Rashford to explore a potential move to Arsenal, as uncertainty surrounds the forward’s future at Barcelona. Rashford is keen on staying at the Nou Camp after a successful season-long loan spell, during which he played a key role in helping Barca win La Liga.
The 28-year-old was fortunate to join Barcelona last summer after being overlooked by former United manager Ruben Amorim and having a mixed experience on loan at Aston Villa. However, Rashford proved his worth with 14 goals and ten assists under Hansi Flick, contributing to Barcelona’s La Liga title victory and their deep run in the Champions League.
Barcelona have an option to sign Rashford permanently from Manchester United for around £26 million and initially appeared ready to activate that clause. However, Rashford’s future in Spain is now uncertain following Barcelona’s £70 million signing of his England teammate Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United.
Despite this, Barcelona are still believed to be interested in keeping Rashford, but the club’s recent big-money acquisition of another attacking player has complicated matters.
While Rashford is eager to extend his stay at the Nou Camp, his representatives believe he will not lack offers even if Barcelona pulls out of the deal. According to the Daily Mail, his team is prepared for approaches from Arsenal, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and even Barcelona’s rivals Real Madrid.
This is not the first time Rashford has been linked with a move to Arsenal. Old Trafford legend Scholes believes such a move would be “a great move” for both parties. On The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Scholes said: “Barcelona have a deal in place to buy him, but I think they’re trying to get him cheaper.” When asked about Arsenal’s interest, he added: “That would be a great move, a great move for both parties. I think Arsenal would be a great move for him and the club.”
Scholes also admitted he doesn’t want Rashford to return to Manchester United, despite Ruben Amorim’s exit and Michael Carrick’s recent appointment as manager. “No, it very rarely happens, a big player like that going to a big club and then coming back,” he said. “They very rarely come back and I don’t think United will really want him back.”
Arsenal are set to support Mikel Arteta this summer, with at least four new signings expected to arrive at the Emirates Stadium. One area of focus for the Gunners is the left-wing position, with both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard linked with moves away from north London.
Rashford has made over 400 appearances for his boyhood club Manchester United, scoring 138 goals and winning four domestic cups and the Europa League during his time at Old Trafford. Earlier in the season, pundit Ally McCoist backed Rashford for a potential move to Arsenal, saying: “100 per cent I could see him playing there. Marcus Rashford could thrive at Arsenal.”
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