Woods backs Rashford to Arsenal move as Barcelona permanent deal stalls

Laura Woods has publicly backed a move for Marcus Rashford to Arsenal, saying she would “love” to see the Manchester United forward join the Gunners this summer after his loan spell at Barcelona came to an uncertain end.

Rashford, 28, scored 14 goals and registered 14 assists in 49 appearances for Barcelona last season as the club won the La Liga title. Despite that form, Barcelona are reportedly reluctant to exercise the £26m option-to-buy clause they had previously agreed with United, leaving Rashford’s future unresolved.

Speaking on talkSPORT’s Breakfast Show in Budapest — where Arsenal face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League Final — Woods was asked by co-presenter Ally McCoist whether she could see Rashford fitting in at Arsenal. “I would love to see Rashford there,” she said. “For that amount of money, what was it? £26 million or something like that. I don’t understand the difference there in price tag. Marcus Rashford at Barcelona seemed to really work.”

The context for that price comparison is significant. Barcelona have agreed a £69.3m deal to sign Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon, a fee that dwarfs the option-to-buy figure attached to Rashford. Woods acknowledged the apparent inconsistency, adding: “You’re right, I’d kind of like to see him back in the Premier League as well.”

Arsenal are not the only club in the picture. Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa have also reportedly held talks over a potential move for Rashford, while Manchester United is expected to speak with the player directly to clarify his situation ahead of the transfer window.

Woods made her comments on a one-day return to talkSPORT, three years after leaving the station in 2023. She originally joined in 2017 and worked her way up to host the Sports Breakfast alongside Alan Brazil before departing to pursue other projects.