Arsenal emerges as an unexpected candidate for Marcus Rashford.

At the epicenter of the most explosive movements in the transfer market, a last-minute bombshell emerges: Marcus Rashford, the 28-year-old English forward, is about to leave his future at Manchester United shrouded in absolute uncertainty, with the club’s historic rivals eagerly eyeing this golden opportunity. Arsenal and Bayern Munich are now the giants “monitoring” the unstable situation of the star, who is currently on loan at Barcelona.

Rashford, who arrived in Catalonia for the 2025–26 season on loan, has experienced a period of ups and downs, failing to establish himself with the expected consistency. Despite a purchase option set at $35.3 million (around €30 million), the Barça management seems reluctant to proceed with a permanent signing, and it is speculated that the financially troubled club may attempt to negotiate an even lower price—something Manchester United categorically rejects. The only possibility for Rashford to remain at Camp Nou would be another loan, a temporary and not definitive solution.

However, the future of the forward at Old Trafford is equally unclear. The departure of coach Ruben Amorim, expected in January, could open doors, but Manchester United faces a structural problem: there is a lack of a natural fit for Rashford on the left side of the attack, his preferred position. Furthermore, the player’s salary agreement, which involves a pay rise, complicates negotiations even further. The question remains: will the return of the England international to United be possible, or is an inevitable change on the horizon?

Arsenal then emerges as an unexpected, but plausible candidate to take advantage of this window. The “Gunners” are struggling on the left flank of their attack, where Leandro Trossard, despite being competent, does not convince as a top solution, and Gabriel Martinelli has surprisingly been linked as a potential reinforcement for Barcelona to replace Rashford. The signing of the English forward would echo the past, reminiscent of Danny Welbeck’s transfer in 2014, when he swapped Manchester United for London, although his career at Arsenal has been marred by chronic injuries.

Bayern Munich, for its part, sees Rashford as a versatile option to strengthen its attack, which already features stars from the Premier League such as Harry Kane, Michael Olise, and Luis Díaz. Although the Englishman may not secure a starting spot, he would be a key piece for the squad’s depth, capable of playing in various attacking positions.

But who could replace Rashford at United? In recent months, Matheus Cunha has been the reference for the left wing, although his preferred position is at the center of attack. Mason Mount and Patrick Dorgu have also been used, but neither of them is a specialist in this area of the field. The name of Rafael Leão, star of AC Milan and Portuguese international, has already been pointed out as one of the more serious options, with an estimated cost of 68 million dollars (50 million pounds). However, as long as Rashford’s future remains uncertain, any movement is conditioned.

Other less conventional alternatives include Morgan Rogers, in great form at Aston Villa, although he is more suited to an attacking midfield role, and Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig, a promising young talent, but who would represent a high-risk investment. Anthony Gordon from Newcastle is also being discussed, especially at a time when the northern England club may be forced to sell due to financial difficulties and the absence from the Champions League.

Amid this turmoil, one thing is certain: Marcus Rashford’s name is igniting the corridors of European football and promises to be a key piece in the upcoming transfer market. Fans, clubs, and experts are on edge as the saga of the forward’s future continues to unfold at maximum intensity. Get ready for a twist that could change the landscape of international football!

This article first appeared on Apito Final.