Scholes backs Rashford move to Arsenal as Manchester United seek summer exit

Paul Scholes has urged Marcus Rashford to join Arsenal this summer, declaring it would be a ‘great move’ for both the player and the club, as Manchester United look to offload the forward following his season-long loan at Barcelona.

Barcelona hold an option to sign Rashford permanently for £26 million, but that deal appears increasingly unlikely to be activated after the Catalan club completed the signing of Anthony Gordon from Newcastle last week. With that avenue closing, United and Rashford are now exploring alternative destinations.

Speaking on The Good, The Bad and The Football, Scholes said: “Barcelona have a deal in place to buy him but I think they’re trying to get him cheaper. That [Arsenal] would be a great move, a great move for both parties. I think Arsenal would be a great move for him and the club.”

The former United midfielder also poured cold water on any prospect of Rashford returning to Old Trafford. “No, it very rarely happens, a big player like that going to a big club and then coming back,” Scholes said. “They very rarely come back and I don’t think United will really want him back.”

Rashford produced his most productive campaign in years at Barcelona, scoring 14 goals and registering 14 assists across 49 appearances in all competitions. The 27-year-old had previously spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, where he scored four goals and contributed six assists in 17 outings.

Arsenal are understood to be in the market for a left-sided attacker ahead of next season as Mikel Arteta’s side prepare to defend the Premier League title. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard are currently the primary options on that flank.

Rashford is currently with the England squad preparing for this summer’s World Cup in North America. He is expected to report back to United before the new campaign begins, with the club’s priority being to secure a permanent transfer during the window.