Arsenal plot stunning swoop for Manchester United star: report

Mikel Arteta
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta during a training session at NAS Sports Complex on January 16, 2024 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) (Image credit: Getty Images)

Arsenal are considering a sensational move for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, according to reports.

The England international is enduring a difficult season at Old Trafford, with just  four goals in 26 appearances in all competitions.

Rashford has often cut a frustrated figure on the field and he has recently earned some unwelcome headlines off it.

United disciplined the attacker after it was revealed that he attended a nightclub in Belfast a few hours before reporting ill for training.

Rashford is still expected to be involved when United face Wolves on Thursday, but he has not been a guaranteed starter in recent weeks.

Marcus Rashford

Marcus Rashford gestures during Manchester United's 1-0 defeat at West Ham in the Premier League in May 2023. (Image credit: Getty Images)

There has even been talk that the Red Devils might be willing to cash in on their academy product, who is valued at £59.7m by Transfermarkt.

According to Football Insider, United are keeping close tabs on Rashford's situation ahead of a potential move in the summer.

Mikel Arteta is keen to add to his attacking options ahead of next term, with Arsenal having struggled in the final third at times this season.

Rashford has been well below his best in 2023/24, but he has shown in the past that he has what it takes to score goals in the Premier League.

Arsenal will hope that the idea of a change of scenery appeals to Rashford, who has been at Old Trafford since the age of seven.

Erik ten Hag

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag looks on during his side's defeat at West Ham in December 2023. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Elsewhere, the Gunners are unlikely to make a signing before the winter window closes for business at 11pm on Thursday.

It has been a quiet month at the Emirates Stadium, in part because Arsenal are mindful of complying with the Premier League's financial rules.

Arteta's team kept their title tilt on track in the midweek round of fixtures, beating Nottingham Forest 2-1 on Tuesday.

They are now preparing for a crunch clash against Liverpool at the Emirates this weekend.

More Arsenal stories

Arsenal have been linked with a sensational move for 2022 Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema late in the January transfer window.

It comes amid talk of the Gunners lining up a huge swoop for Napoli and Nigeria star Victor Osimhen – who Gary Lineker says would be the perfect fit for the North London club.

Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta has reacted angrily to rumours that he could succeed the departing Xavi as manager of Barcelona.

Greg Lea

Greg Lea is a freelance football journalist who's filled in wherever FourFourTwo needs him since 2014. He became a Crystal Palace fan after watching a 1-0 loss to Port Vale in 1998, and once got on the scoresheet in a primary school game against Wilfried Zaha's Whitehorse Manor (an own goal in an 8-0 defeat).