Arsenal free to sign Rashford as Barcelona exit leaves Man Utd forward without a club

Marcus Rashford’s expected move to Barcelona has fallen apart, opening the door for Arsenal to pursue the Manchester United forward ahead of the 2025-26 season. The La Liga champions removed themselves from the running for a permanent deal after completing the £70 million signing of Anthony Gordon, and United have rejected Barcelona’s push for a further season-long loan arrangement.

Arsenal have been searching for a left-sided forward to address one of the few clear gaps in Mikel Arteta’s squad. Neither Leandro Trossard nor Gabriel Martinelli has convincingly made the left-wing berth their own, despite both contributing to the club’s Premier League title challenge and run to the Champions League final. Arteta has acknowledged on multiple occasions that the Gunners lack a clinical edge in attack, and the position remains a priority this summer.

The club’s primary target, Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz, has been declared unavailable by the Italian club, forcing sporting director Andrea Berta to broaden his search. Rashford, 27, has now emerged as a realistic alternative — and crucially, Arsenal are not among the clubs understood to be blocked from signing him. Liverpool and Manchester City are reportedly off-limits, but no such restriction applies to the Gunners.

Rashford is valued at around £40 million by United, though Berta may have room to negotiate a reduced fee given the forward’s uncertain situation. Rashford himself has little appetite for remaining at Old Trafford beyond this summer and is keen to make a fresh start, which could give Arsenal additional leverage in any talks.

Trossard, now 31, has been linked with a move to Turkey and could depart for the right fee. Martinelli’s younger profile may attract a sizeable bid that proves difficult to turn down, potentially freeing up funds for an incoming signing. Reports suggest Arsenal have cooled their interest in Rashford in recent weeks, but the collapse of the Barcelona deal and the scarcity of elite left-wing options in the market may yet bring them back to the table.

Rashford is expected to return to United for talks with club bosses following the World Cup, at which point the shape of his future should become clearer.