Arsenal have been given 'green light' to sign Marcus Rashford after Man Utd clause emerges

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Arsenal's eagerness to bring in a left-sided forward this summer is no secret. Mikel Arteta has stated on multiple occasions in recent years that the Gunners lack a clinical edge in attack.

With his love for Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz well known, the only position where they clearly lack an elite level player is the left wing. Neither Leandro Trossard nor Gabriel Martinelli has succeeded in claiming the position as their own in recent seasons, despite contributing to varying degrees to Arsenal 's Premier League title success and the run to the Champions League final this term.

Trossard has been linked once again with a move to Turkey this summer, and, considering he is now 31 years old, it could be a good time to part company with the Belgian for the right fee. Martinelli, in contrast, has more years ahead at the highest level, though his younger age might attract a larger bid, which could prove too tempting for sporting director Andrea Berta to turn down as he looks to raise funds.

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The bigger challenge for Arsenal until now has been identifying real quality alternatives in the transfer market. The English champions have been told their main left wing target Kenan Yildiz is not for sale by Juventus , forcing them to look elsewhere.

But, given the dearth of talent available and Arteta's pressing squad needs, Marcus Rashford represents an ideal transfer. Arsenal have the opportunity to sign Rashford after he returns to United for crunch talks with Old Trafford bosses following the World Cup.

The England international's hopes of a permanent move to Barcelona have fallen apart, leaving his immediate future shrouded in uncertainty. The La Liga champions recently secured Anthony Gordon in a £70million transfer, meaning they are no longer pursuing a permanent deal for Rashford. And United are refusing to bow to Barca's push for another season-long loan agreement.

Rashford's next move remains unclear as he has little appetite for staying at United beyond this summer and is eager to make a fresh start elsewhere. And, in a significant boost, Arsenal are not among the clubs blocked from signing him , which are understood to be Liverpool and Manchester City .

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While Rashford is valued at around £40m, Berta may even be able to negotiate a reduced fee for the forward, taking his move to the Emirates from a solid deal to a potential masterstroke. Sure, the Gunners are said to have cooled their interest in Rashford, but given his age, now is the perfect time to land the former United Academy graduate if Arteta wants a player ready to deliver immediately rather than one for the future.

Rashford's career trajectory over the last two years has left him more determined than ever. He stressed on multiple occasions after joining Barcelona that his main focus is winning silverware, aligning him with Arsenal's objectives.

He tasted La Liga success at Barcelona this season, racking up 14 goals and 14 assists across 49 appearances, including nine goal contributions in 11 Champions League fixtures, though around half of his total appearances came off the bench.

However, that only goes to show his exemplary mindset, willing to share minutes with Martinelli, Trossard or even Eberechi Eze, depending on who Arteta deems fit to start certain games.

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Rashford's extensive Premier League know-how, having clocked up 297 appearances and netted 89 goals, is what distinguishes him from the other names being linked with Arsenal. He is more likely to make an immediate impact than the likes of Nico Williams and Rafael Leao, who have never played in England.

Viktor Gyokeres needing seven months to acclimatise to the tempo and physicality of the league is proof that success elsewhere doesn't automatically mean delivering the goods for Arsenal.

The England star is also far less expensive than the other left wingers on the market. Bradley Barcola of PSG , who football.london reports is a legitimate target , could cost anywhere between £70m and £105m, according to reports.