Michael Owen believes that Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford would be a ‘great option’ for Arsenal after his move to Barcelona faltered.
Rashford was hoping to sign a permanent deal with Barcelona after spending last season on loan at the Nou Camp.
The 28-year-old scored 14 goals in all competitions for Hansi Flick’s side, with the Catalan giants able to make the move permanent for just £26million this summer.
However, after signing Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United, Barcelona have now decided against making the move permanent, with Rashford now poised to return to Old Trafford after his World Cup campaign with England.
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Michael Carrick publicly hinted at the possibility of Rashford being integrated back into United’s set-up, but former Red Devils striker Owen thinks Rashford will still be fully focused on a return to Spain.
‘Well, if it was any other manager, then I would say it’s impossible,’ Owen told Metro.
‘The only chink of light is that it’s Michael Carrick and he knows him. If he really rates him, then is it beyond the realms? There might be a tiny chink of light, but I still think it’s very unlikely.
‘I know Barcelona didn’t trigger that option yet but United really want to get rid. They know Rashford wants to stay. Barcelona might be playing hardball, and they might say, ‘we’ll take it, but you know we’re not going to pay that type of fee’, so it still might be a lot of posturing.
‘I would still expect him to be at Barcelona next season personally, and I can’t see a return to Manchester United but as I say, the one little glimmer of hope for everybody might be that it’s Michael Carrick and he’s working wonders already and he knows him really well.’
If Barcelona do not revive their interest in Rashford, the England international will likely be forced to consider a fresh start elsewhere if he is not keen on rekindling his United career.
And Owen wonders whether the 28-year-old could find a new home at Arsenal, who are reportedly keen to upgrade upon their options at left wing.
‘Arsenal are still sort of searching for centre forward so it gives you another option up there,’ added Owen, the face of Casino.org in the UK, a leading comparison website helping Brits find online casinos that suit their preferences.
‘Obviously on the left-hand side, Trossard is a very good player and Martinelli’s a very good player, but they aren’t quite on Rashford’s level when he’s fit and firing.
‘I can’t imagine Arsenal are going to be signing too many players. I expect them just to be quite opportunistic; maybe if a great centre forward comes along or an opportunity to get somebody, then they will act.
‘But I don’t think it’s the worst shout to be honest. I think Rashford’s first priority will be to stay at Barcelona and I think his team will be working around the clock to try to sort that one out.
‘But if that doesn’t work, then of course other teams come into the fray and Arsenal could be a great option.’
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