Arsenal's Late Move for Rashford Amid Martinelli Exit and Álvarez Stalemate

Arsenal are considering a dramatic late move for Marcus Rashford as uncertainty grows over Gabriel Martinelli’s future and frustration mounts in their pursuit of Julián Álvarez.

With the transfer window ticking into its final days, the club are understood to be exploring the possibility of taking the Manchester United forward on loan, a short-term solution to a problem they did not expect to have.

Martinelli shock forces rethink

Inside Arsenal, there is said to be genuine surprise that Martinelli could leave for Al-Hilal in a £50 million deal without a replacement already lined up. That potential departure has sharpened minds at London Colney.

Rashford, naturally a left-sided forward, fits the profile of what Mikel Arteta would lose in the Brazilian: pace, direct running, and the ability to stretch defences from the flank.

The England international had looked destined for the Old Trafford exit earlier in the summer, but Michael Carrick pulled him back into the fold during pre-season. That decision has complicated any move now. What might have been a straightforward deal in June is far more delicate in late August.

Rashford, 28, has two years left on his United contract. Carrick has been clear in public that he sees him as a United player this season and has spoken of being “delighted” with the forward since his return. Rashford is in contention to feature against Ipswich this weekend, underlining his restored status.

Barcelona spell ends, future unclear

Rashford spent last season on loan at Barcelona, but the Catalan club chose not to activate the £26 million option to buy written into that agreement. His return to Manchester has reset the conversation around his future, but not ended it.

Arsenal’s interest is framed around a loan rather than a permanent transfer, a move that would give them cover on the left without committing long term in a window where their main attacking target has always been elsewhere.

Álvarez chase hits resistance

Throughout the summer, Arsenal’s primary focus in attack has been Julián Álvarez at Atletico Madrid. That has not changed, but the path to signing him looks anything but smooth.

Asked about talks with the Argentinian, Arteta cut the subject dead with a sharp: “Don’t go there.” The line said plenty. The deal is difficult, and Arsenal know it.

Reports suggest the club will only move if they receive absolute commitment from Álvarez himself. So far, his eyes have been on another destination.

Álvarez has been keen on a move to Barcelona, a stance that has shaped much of the saga. Yet Atletico have refused to even sit down with the Catalan side, angered by what they see as unacceptable conduct in the background of the chase.

The Spanish club made their position public with an unusually strong statement, confirming their Board of Directors had “unanimously” backed the decision not to negotiate with Barcelona over Álvarez.

“Atletico Madrid is open to negotiations that are part of the transfer market, but always in an ethical and professional manner and with respect between clubs,” the statement read, before stressing that Barcelona had not met those standards and that there “have been no negotiations, nor will there be any negotiations” with them over the forward.

Álvarez will miss Atletico’s match this weekend after being absent from training due to illness, another twist in a story already thick with tension.

Arsenal’s late-window dilemma

So Arsenal stand at a familiar crossroads: a primary target locked in a standoff between clubs, a key player in Martinelli potentially heading out, and a high-profile alternative in Rashford whose situation has grown more complicated just as they circle.

The club remain interested in Álvarez, convinced by his profile and potential impact, but time is running out and the market rarely waits for anyone. A late loan swoop for Rashford would be bold, opportunistic, and risky all at once.

If Martinelli goes and neither Álvarez nor Rashford arrive, Arsenal start the season lighter in attack than they planned. If one deal drops into place in the final days, the entire complexion of their forward line changes.

The window is almost shut. Arsenal still have big decisions to make.