Arsenal Considers Late Loan for Rashford Amid Martinelli Exit

Arsenal are weighing a late move for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford as uncertainty grows over Gabriel Martinelli’s future and frustration mounts in their pursuit of Julián Álvarez.

With the transfer window ticking into its final days, the Gunners are said to be exploring the possibility of a loan deal for Rashford, who naturally operates off the left – the very role Martinelli has made his own in north London.

Martinelli sale sparks scramble

Inside Arsenal, there is said to be genuine surprise that Martinelli could be allowed to leave for Al-Hilal in a £50 million deal without a replacement already lined up. That potential gap on the left has pushed the club to consider a late move for Rashford, a player they have been linked with throughout the summer.

Rashford looked set for an Old Trafford exit earlier in the window. Then Michael Carrick brought him back into the fold during pre-season, spoke positively about his attitude and form, and the picture shifted. The 28-year-old now appears closer to United’s plans than he did in June.

Carrick has been “delighted” with Rashford since his return and the forward could even feature against Ipswich this weekend. That renewed importance to United complicates any attempt by Arsenal to prise him away, even on a temporary deal.

Rashford spent last season on loan at Barcelona, who chose not to trigger a £26 million purchase clause. He still has two years remaining on his United contract, a factor that gives the club a strong hand in any negotiations.

Álvarez saga drags on

While Rashford has re-emerged as a possibility, Arsenal’s primary attacking target remains Julián Álvarez at Atletico Madrid. The London club are understood to retain strong interest in the Argentinian, but only if they are convinced of his full commitment to the move.

Asked directly how talks with Álvarez had gone, Mikel Arteta cut the question off with a sharp response: “Don’t go there.” It was a line that underlined how awkward and delicate the chase has become.

Álvarez, currently sidelined from Atletico’s weekend match after missing training through illness, has been keen on a move to Barcelona this summer. Atletico, though, have flatly refused to engage with the Catalan club.

In a pointed statement, Atletico’s Board of Directors declared unanimous support for the decision not to negotiate with Barcelona over Álvarez.

“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,” the club said, adding that Barcelona had not met those standards. As a result, Atletico insisted there had been no talks and there would be no talks with Barça regarding Álvarez.

That stance leaves Arsenal watching a complicated triangle. The player has leaned towards Barcelona, his club has shut the door on them, and the Gunners are only prepared to move if they sense a clear, decisive yes.

Late-window tension

So Arsenal sit in familiar territory: a few days left, a major attacking decision still unresolved. Martinelli could be on his way. Rashford is back in favour at United. Álvarez is stuck between his wishes and Atletico’s hard line.

The window is closing. Arsenal must decide whether to force the issue with a bold move for Rashford, hold their nerve on Álvarez, or risk stepping into the season with a hole on the left that could define their campaign.