Why Arsenal must sign Marcus Rashford

The north Londoners are currently blessed with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard as options on the left flank – the pair scoring 25 goals between them this season in all competitions – yet there is perhaps a nagging feeling that an upgrade could still be found, with club legend Ian Wright notably stating last month that he thinks “left wing is also not quite good enough”.

Rashford, of course, has disappointed at Old Trafford of late, although it wasn’t too long ago that he was looking simply “unstoppable” – according to manager Erik ten Hag – having scored 30 goals across all fronts last season.

With 131 goals in 402 games for his club, as well as 17 in 60 caps for his country, the Manchester-born menace is a proven talent at the elite level. As shown below, the United man rises to the occasion – in fact, five of his six most favoured opponents (i.e scored most against) come from those in the ‘Big Six’, with Leicester City (8) the only outlier.

It was memorably against Arsenal where Rashford announced himself on the Premier League stage after scoring a brace on his top-flight debut back in 2016, having now chalked up six goals and four assists in 17 games against his potential new employers.

That return includes four goals and one assist across the last four league meetings between the two clubs, with the £300k-per-week marksman having proven a constant thorn in the side of Ben White in that left channel.

Such form has also made a strong impression on William Saliba, with the French titan having said earlier this season: “Rashford is so, so good. So [much] technique, so [much] speed. He is a tough player to play against.”

Then asked where Rashford’s best position is, Saliba replied: “For me, it’s better when he is on the left, like this is for Ben White! But as a striker as well, he’s so good because he’s so fast, he makes some good runs in behind so it’s hard to play against him.”

Any deal would represent a gamble due to the forward’s current form, yet as Arsenal have seen first-hand in recent times, Rashford can be the difference-maker on the big stage.

Securing Rice’s services last summer showed Arteta’s intent in the transfer market, yet to potentially land a leading figure from the Red Devils would represent an even greater, marquee deal for the Gunners.