Arsenal hold ‘secret’ Marcus Rashford meeting as £42m release clause transfer U-turn now possible

The summer transfer window for Arsenal will open in just over two weeks. With tasks to be completed all over the field, the Gunners are anticipated to be among the busier teams as well.

Despite having a strong team at his disposal, Mikel Arteta is probably going to cut some of the outsiders who have had very little opportunity over the last two years in favor of his preferred core. They’re leaving with a kitty that makes it possible to invest more in important positions.

Even though they improved on last season, the team still feels that improvements are needed in a few areas to help close the gap with Manchester City, if not completely close it. It sounds like it will be a fun ride.

With the window starting in mid-June, football.london brings you the most recent news from around the market here.

Marcus Rashford meeting

Online rumors claim that Mikel Arteta and Marcus Rashford met recently, with one of the many topics discussed being a potential transfer to Arsenal. It’s reported that both sides are amenable to the possibility of reaching an agreement.

Additionally, Rashford has previously been connected to the Gunners. Even after signing a new long-term contract last summer, there have been persistent rumors about him being a player of interest.

Rashford still has four years left on his contract at Old Trafford, where he is paid over £300,000 per week. His future is uncertain due to a dismal season at his childhood club and the possibility of yet another managerial change. A portion of the United supporters is tired of the striker’s inconsistent play.

The 26-year-old, who had just scored 30 goals the previous year, only managed seven league goals in 2023–2024. Over the last six months, it has caused both his stock to plummet and his international career to come to an abrupt stop.

Despite his performance not being at his usual level, Rashford still has a certain something about him, according to football.london. Being English, he would fit in well at Arsenal and be the ideal age for a forward to be finding his feet while still having room to grow.

It is clear how unstoppable he can be when in the right frame of mind, and he is adaptable enough to play any role that Arteta would want of him. Arsenal might be the ideal setting for Rashford to revert to his best form.

However, at this point, it seems unlikely that United and Arsenal would make a transfer of this nature. He will undoubtedly be a key player in any new manager’s plans this summer, if only for a sneak peek, and Arsenal may run into financial difficulties due to the player’s price.

This summer, the Gunners have a lot of work ahead of them, and Rashford isn’t exactly someone who jumps out as a priority. That does not imply that it is not logical.

Vitor Roque U-turn

Despite Vitor Roque’s recent January move to Spain, Arsenal is reportedly one of several teams interested in signing the teenager from Barcelona this summer. It is reported that Edu Gaspar is leading the charge for the Brazilian, along with Tottenham and Manchester United.

After completing his highly publicized £40 million move from Athletico Paranaense earlier this year, Roque only managed to score twice under Xavi’s leadership as Barcelona put up a lackluster title defense and were once more rocked by turmoil. His agent Andre Cury has taken aim at the former midfield player, as his manager never seemed to be a big fan of his addition.

“Everyone believes Vitor Roque should play more minutes, and nobody can figure out why [coach Xavi] doesn’t give them to him,” Cury remarked.

The player was never spoken to by Xavi. I believe that neither party will benefit from this circumstance, and I do not understand it. I have advised the boy to put in even more effort and wait for his chance, but I have also witnessed matches giving him prominence and minutes, which helps him get out of this awkward situation.”

What football.london says: Roque was being compared to Endrick when he left South America. That being said, his first stint at Barcelona has not been great.

Predicting the Catalan giants’ decisions is as difficult as it gets, though it’s doubtful that any team as insanely run as theirs would ever consider selling a 19-year-old six months into a seven-year contract. Arsenal would have a right to be involved once more if Roque is actually available.

They hope to bring in the finest young talent in the world and have a contingent of Brazilians, though Gabriel Jesus’s long-term future is uncertain. Given Roque’s difficulties and rumored £42 million release clause, if handled carefully, there would be an ideal structure around him to help him develop, and for what could be a reduced price, it feels like a business worth trying.