Arsenal Considers Rashford Loan as Martinelli's Future Uncertain

Arsenal are weighing up a late move for Marcus Rashford as uncertainty grows over Gabriel Martinelli’s future and talks for Julian Álvarez hit resistance.

With the transfer window ticking into its final days, the north London club are said to be exploring a loan deal for the Manchester United forward, who naturally operates off the left – the very position Martinelli has made his own at the Emirates.

Martinelli shock and a scramble for cover

Inside Arsenal, there is said to be genuine surprise that Martinelli could be allowed to join Al-Hilal in a £50 million move without a replacement already lined up. That potential gap on the left has pushed Rashford’s name back into the frame.

The England international was strongly linked with an Old Trafford exit earlier in the summer, only for Michael Carrick to pull him back into the fold during pre-season. That recall has complicated any late swoop. Rashford has two years left on his United contract and Carrick has been clear in public: he sees him as a United player this season.

Even so, the prospect of a short-term loan is understood to be under consideration at Arsenal, who are wary of being left light in wide attacking areas if Martinelli does depart.

Rashford spent last season on loan at Barcelona, where the Catalan club chose not to trigger a £26 million purchase clause. Back in Manchester, he has impressed Carrick enough that the manager described himself as “delighted” with the forward’s attitude and work since returning. Rashford could even feature against Ipswich this weekend, underlining how embedded he now is in United’s plans.

Álvarez pursuit hits resistance

All of this unfolds against the backdrop of Arsenal’s ongoing pursuit of Julian Álvarez from Atletico Madrid, a chase that looks anything but straightforward.

Álvarez has long been viewed as the main attacking target, yet the club are said to be relaxed about missing out if the deal proves too complex. When Mikel Arteta was pressed on how talks with the Argentinian had gone, his sharp response — “Don’t go there” — underlined the sensitivity and frustration around the situation.

Reports suggest Arsenal still hold strong interest and would move if Álvarez gives total commitment to the switch. Without that, they are reluctant to force the issue.

Álvarez, currently sidelined from Atletico’s weekend squad 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 confirmed unanimous backing for the decision not to negotiate with Barcelona over Álvarez. The club stressed it is open to transfer talks conducted “in an ethical and professional manner and with respect between clubs,” and accused Barcelona of failing to meet those standards. As a result, Atletico insist there have been no negotiations and there will be none regarding Álvarez’s transfer to the Camp Nou.

A late-window test of Arsenal’s ambition

So Arsenal find themselves juggling three moving parts: a potential £50m sale of Martinelli, a complicated pursuit of Álvarez, and a speculative late push for Rashford, whose stock at United has risen again under Carrick.

With the clock running down, the question is simple and stark: do Arsenal find the firepower they need, or head into the season gambling that what they already have will be enough?