Emmanuel Petit believes Arsenal should monitor Marcus Rashford’s situation at Manchester United before Monday’s transfer deadline.
The Red Devils academy graduate has not featured for Ruben Amorim‘s side since United’s 2-1 win over Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League on December 12. United head coach, Amorim, has implied that Rashford is not working hard enough and would rather play his goalkeeping coach than a player who is failing to give maximum effort.
Barcelona have been linked with a January move for the 27-year-old, who has scored seven goals across 24 appearances for United this season. However, our colleagues at The Manchester Evening News report that the Catalans are hesitant about forcing through a loan move for Rashford this month but would be interested in signing him permanently in the summer.
And former Gunners midfielder Petit has suggested that the forward could be an option for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta before the Janaury window closes at 11pm on Monday. Rashford can play as a striker where the north Londoners are currently short after Gabriel Jesus’ ACL injury.
“Marcus Rashford would be an interesting signing for Arsenal,” he said via DisCasino. “I’m very frustrated with Gabriel Martinelli’s performances at the moment, he’s very inconsistent and it’s annoying to watch. He’s been like a ghost on the pitch.
“Competition for a spot in the XI is important for Arsenal, look at Liverpool’s bench, the quality they have is amazing. I know Nico Williams has been linked, but I’m told he’ll never come to the Premier League if he leaves Athletic Bilbao, he’d only go to Barcelona. The Raheem Sterling gamble has not worked.”
Petit has also shared his belief that the United attacker may play better in a more positive environment and under a manager who believes in him.
He added: “Rashford, if he’s in the team and playing football in a good environment with a manager who trusts him, you will see the best of him. Is that manager Mikel Arteta?
“If I’m him, I would definitely have an eye on that situation at Manchester United. He’s not the same player from two years ago, but we all know the level he can reach, quality like that doesn’t just disappear.”
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