Arsenal news: Gunners handed a perfect chance to get Robin van Persie revenge on Manchester United
This summer marks the tenth anniversary of Robin van Persie’s controversial transfer from Arsenal to rival Manchester United, where he replaced Arsene Wenger with Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Dutchman was the Gunners’ talisman at the time, having scored 37 goals the previous season, but he only had a year left on his contract and was desperate to win the Premier League.
Arsenal were forced to sell Van Persie to Manchester United, and they should make amends this summer by signing Marcus Rashford.
Many Arsenal supporters will disagree, which is understandable. Rashford has only four Premier League goals this season and appears to be a shell of his former self.
However, the 24-year-old remains one of the Premier League’s best English players. In the previous two seasons, he scored a total of 43 goals across all competitions.
Rashford’s abilities are undeniable. The Mancunian is quick, tall, strong, technically gifted, and exudes confidence when at his best.
Arsenal must also sign a new striker this summer, as Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are both out of contract in June.
Rashford will also enter the final year of his contract this summer, though United have the option to extend his current deal by a year.
Even if they do trigger that clause, given his lack of form, a reasonably priced sale may suit all parties.
Rashford reportedly wants to leave Manchester United, according to reports earlier this month.
And where better to go than Arsenal? They are the so-called “Big Six” team that is currently developing English talent, including Aaron Ramsdale, Emile Smith Rowe, and Bukayo Saka.
Let’s not forget about Manchester United’s poor season. The Red Devils are currently fourth in the Premier League, two points above fifth-placed Arsenal despite having played four more games.
United are without a permanent manager and a clear philosophy on the field, with dressing-room leaks occurring more frequently than points.
Meanwhile, Arsenal appear to have a clear strategy under manager Mikel Arteta. They’re gradually assembling a squad capable of competing with the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool.
Qualification for the Champions League would be a significant additional incentive for Rashford.
If Arsenal can beat United, West Ham, and Tottenham to fourth place, as they appear to be doing at the moment, many players will regard them as London’s most desirable club this summer.
Chelsea has held that title for more than 15 years, but it’s unlikely that they’ll be attracting much talent to Stamford Bridge in the next transfer window, following the UK government’s decision.
As talkSPORT pundit and Arsenal legend Ray Parlour said, “Marcus Rashford is going through a bit of a bad spell but he’s a top player.
“I am sure lots of clubs will be enquiring about Marcus Rashford if he was available in the summer. I don’t know what he’s got left on his contract.
“Certainly Arsenal, I would love him to come to Arsenal… that’s the position [centre-forward] they’ve got to look at in the summer, that is vital for Arsenal.
“Rashford, if he was available… I’m sure Arsenal would definitely be interested.”
Van Persie’s move to Old Trafford in 2012 was a watershed moment in Premier League history, implying that Arsenal were no longer a force under legendary manager Arsene Wenger.
And now, with the Gunners on the rise and United fighting for survival, Rashford, on the other hand, could make a similar switch in the opposite direction. Stranger occurrences have occurred.
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Arsenal news: Gunners handed a perfect chance to get Robin van Persie revenge on Manchester United
