Owen urges Arsenal to swap Vinicius for Rashford at £40m price

Former England international Michael Owen has advised Arsenal to pursue Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford as a cheaper alternative after their pursuit of Vinicius Junior collapsed. Owen, who played for Liverpool, suggested Rashford could be available for around £40 million as the Gunners look to bolster their left side following the sale of Leandro Trossard.

Arsenal had prioritised Vinicius Junior as their top target to reinforce the left side of their attack, even offering the Real Madrid forward a Premier League record salary. The Brazil international instead chose to remain in Spain and sign a new contract with Madrid, leaving Arsenal to reassess their options.

Owen, speaking to Metro, stated that a move for Rashford would align with Arsenal’s needs and Arteta’s tactical plans. "I didn’t see Vinicius Junior to Arsenal happening, but a move for someone like Rashford would make sense," he said. "This would be a move I can see happening and makes sense as Arsenal are looking for a left-sided striker. He would fit well into Arteta’s plans and work well with the rest of the squad they have."

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Rashford, 28, remains uncertain about his future at Manchester United after a season-long loan at Barcelona. The Catalan club pursued Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon instead, leaving Rashford’s return to Old Trafford in doubt. The England forward is expected to rejoin Manchester United’s pre-season training next week and could feature in their friendly against Leeds United on Wednesday.

Owen also highlighted Manchester United’s interim head coach Michael Carrick as the ideal figure to help revive Rashford’s career at his boyhood club. "He looks the perfect person to put an arm around his shoulder to make him feel part of the squad and back into the mix at Manchester United," Owen said. "He is a World Cup England player, so he is of top quality and can be a big asset to Manchester United. Spending time in Barcelona can only further benefit his career and experience."

The former Liverpool striker added that a summer exit for Rashford was not guaranteed, suggesting Carrick’s influence could be pivotal. "It could be 50/50, but Carrick could be the right man to get the best out of Rashford," Owen concluded.

Arsenal’s search for a left winger has already seen them linked with Liverpool target Bradley Barcola, though no formal approach has been reported. The club’s summer recruitment strategy now hinges on finding a cost-effective solution to replace Trossard and address their left-sided attacking needs.