Arsenal turn to Marcus Rashford as Julian Alvarez deal becomes uncertain

Arsenal are considering a loan move for Marcus Rashford as their attempts to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid become increasingly complicated before the summer transfer window closes.

The Premier League club are seeking another solution to strengthen their attack and are assessing whether Rashford could provide the versatility required by manager Mikel Arteta. The 28-year-old can play as a centre-forward or on the left wing, two positions Arsenal may need to reinforce.

According to the Independent, Arsenal are studying the possibility of taking Rashford on loan. The move is being considered as Gabriel Martinelli appears to be nearing a departure for the Scottish Premiership.

Arsenal had identified Alvarez as their main target for the forward line and submitted a formal offer to Atletico Madrid, who accepted it. Arteta also spoke directly to the Argentina international to outline Arsenal’s project and explain the role he would be expected to play at the club.

However, the proposed transfer has encountered a major obstacle. Alvarez wants to join Barcelona, while Atletico Madrid have repeatedly made clear that they do not want to conduct a deal with the Catalan club.

That leaves the striker’s future unresolved and has forced Arsenal to consider alternative options. Rashford has emerged as one of those possibilities because of his ability to operate both through the middle and from the left side of the attack.

Arsenal’s need for additional firepower comes after Victor Gyokeres failed to consistently reach the level expected of him last season, despite making an encouraging start. Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus remain available to Arteta as attacking options, but Rashford’s versatility is viewed as a potential benefit.

The more likely outcome for Rashford at present, however, appears to be a return to Manchester United. His loan spell at Barcelona has ended and he has gone back to the English club, where he has been given the number nine shirt.

Those developments have offered some indication that Rashford may once again feature in Manchester United’s plans. Michael Carrick recently praised the forward’s work ethic in training before introducing him as a substitute against Hull City.

Rashford came on during the second half of that match but was unable to prevent Manchester United from suffering defeat.

Arsenal’s interest therefore remains dependent on how their pursuit of Alvarez develops, as well as whether Manchester United are prepared to sanction another temporary move for Rashford. With the transfer window approaching its conclusion, Arteta’s side are continuing to assess their options in attack.