Arsenal: Reason Arteta snubbed Rashford signing revealed with ‘two standout targets’ preferred
A new report has revealed why Arsenal opted against signing Marcus Rashford from Manchester United during the winter transfer window.
Arsenal were among the clubs linked with Rashford in January as they could have done with signing a new forward.
Gabriel Jesus’ injury leaves head coach Mikel Arteta with Kai Havertz as his only fit centre-forward. Rashford would have been a useful addition, especially considering he can play on the left wing and as a striker.
Rashford has been heavily criticised for his poor performances and attitude over the past couple of seasons so there was limited interest in the 27-year-old.
Barcelona were mooted as his preferred destination, but his decline and huge salary made a deal difficult. AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus and Napoli were also linked but he had to settle for Aston Villa towards the end of the window.
READ: Aston Villa star left ‘deeply disappointed’ by Rashford decision before FA Cup clash
Arsenal arguably needed to sign Rashford or another new forward to boost their chances of winning the Premier League this season as their struggles in front of goal this term are likely to continue in the coming months.
Instead of pursuing Rashford, Arsenal had a bid for Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins turned down and were unable to bring forward a move for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, who is expected to depart the Bundesliga outfit in the summer.
Regarding Rashford, a new report from The Boot Room has revealed the ‘simple’ reason they decided against landing the Man Utd outcast as ‘two standout targets’ were preferred.
MORE MARCUS RASHFORD COVERAGE ON F365…
👉 Man Utd ‘noise’ suggests signing is ‘in place’; reason why INEOS ‘didn’t replace’ Rashford revealed
👉 Jadon Sancho posts subtle dig at Man Utd in response to Marcus Rashford’s Villa debut
👉 Lineker, Shearer give verdict on Rashford debut for Aston Villa in ‘last chance saloon’
The report explains:
‘Arsenal had no desire to take a gamble on the Manchester United academy graduate before the February 3rd transfer deadline.
‘We understand all of Mikel Arteta’s targets were players Arsenal had done plenty of due diligence on, and represented long-term striking options for the Gunners.
‘Arsenal never wanted to simply sign a stop-gap option over the winter, and despite believing Rashford is a talent who they admire from a distance, a deal was never seriously considered.
‘Of course, Arsenal already have Raheem Sterling and Neto on loan from Chelsea and Bournemouth respectively, but TBR Football understand the Gunners had the option to cancel those deals if Arteta did want Rashford at the Emirates Stadium.
‘Arsenal are clearly in no mood to adopt a scattergun approach in the market to solve issues within the squad – their targets are measured ones, with two standout names.
‘TBR Football understand Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig and Newcastle No.14 Alexander Isak are the top two names on Arsenal’s shortlist.
‘Sources told us that Arsenal actually made an approach to sign Sesko in the winter transfer window – but RB Leipzig had no intention of entertaining a sale.’
