Mikel Arteta is sending clear message to Marcus Rashford amid transfer rumours | Football | Sport
Arsenal could edge closer in their reported pursuit of Marcus Rashford should the Gunners conclude the campaign with major silverware. The north London outfit are just three matches away from clinching a Premier League and Champions League double.
Such success could prove attractive to Rashford. According to the Daily Mail, the Barcelona loanee is reportedly being ‘monitored’ by Mikel Arteta’s side, who are said to be seeking reinforcements in the left wing position. With uncertainty surrounding his future at Manchester United, Rashford has been vocal about his ambition to secure trophies – and the Gunners are ideally placed to satisfy that hunger.
The 28-year-old has already collected two pieces of silverware during his spell in Spain, becoming a La Liga champion following Barca’s 2-0 triumph over Real Madrid on Sunday. Upon his arrival in Catalonia last summer, the England international immediately expressed his determination to succeed, stating: “I want to win the biggest trophies and feel like Barcelona is a huge club in the football world so it is the perfect place.
“You see with the team last season, they have a young ambitious team and I want to add my qualities, my personality, improve the team and help them win. It’s a club where people’s dreams come true and they win big prizes. And what the club stands for really means a lot to me as well.”
Before claiming his first league title, Rashford had already lifted the Spanish Supercopa in January following Barca’s 3-2 victory over Madrid. Speaking candidly about his desire to collect major honours at the time, he said: “It’s the first trophy [with Barca] and it’s always the best feeling to win the first one.
“I hope now we can win some more. I hope it’s not the last one. It was a top performance. This is what we’re capable of doing. There are still areas to improve, but we can enjoy this moment today.” The Gunners could represent the ideal next chapter for Rashford should they conclude the season with silverware in hand. While the Spanish giants hold a £26million option to purchase him outright, the club are instead seeking to renegotiate the clause or arrange a further loan spell.
Beyond Arsenal’s capacity to deliver trophies, the family-oriented culture Arteta has fostered at the Emirates Stadium could equally attract Rashford, who highlighted the unity at Barca upon joining the club. At his unveiling, he added: “I was clear on my preference from the beginning.
“It didn’t work out in January so I went to Aston Villa and enjoyed a good period there. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to play there. The summer came around very quickly, it was time to make another decision. My choice was easy. It’s a family club, something I’m used to from my past.” Having played 47 games across all competitions this season, with just three matches remaining, Rashford has contributed an impressive 14 goals and 14 assists.
