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It would be a “big risk” for Arsenal to sign Marcus Rashford for “£45million” this summer and they should target Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus instead, that’s according to pundit Danny Mills…
THE LOWDOWN: OLD TRAFFORD DEMISE
Having burst onto the scene in 2016 with a debut brace against FC Midtjylland, the academy graduate appeared to have the footballing world at his feet.
The England international has since gone on to score 93 times in senior football for his boyhood club, adding 58 assists in 303 matches.
However, the 24-year-old has endured a difficult 2021/22 campaign thus far and desperately needs to re-ignite a stalling career at Old Trafford.
Where Rashford may ply his trade in the long-term remains in question, with reports over the star being hesitant in signing a new deal and also transfer links to Arsenal.
And Danny Mills has hit out at such links, suggesting another forward who could fire the Gunners to new heights next season after heavy links emerged.
THE LATEST: BIG RISK
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Man City and England full-back claimed the Old Trafford academy graduate has not proven his best position is at centre-forward and his confidence is too low right now to thrive in north London.
He told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “I still don’t know where Marcus Rashford’s best position.
“I’m not convinced he’s an out-and-out number nine centre-forward.
“Would you take the risk of spending £45million on Marcus Rashford and putting him into that situation and relying on him when his confidence has been down and his performance levels have been down? That’s a big risk to put all your eggs in that one basket.
“Gabriel Jesus or Rashford at the same price? You take Jesus all day long because there is far less risk with that deal.”
THE VERDICT: CORRECT CALL
Whilst his ailing form would suggest that United would be wise to call time on Rashford this summer, it is certainly unclear whether the player would be the answer the Gunners need in order to challenge on all fronts next season.
So far this term, the £180k-per-week attacker has scored just five times and provided two assists in 27 appearances, way short of the 36 direct goal contributions he delivered last season.
Indeed, Mills is correct in his assessment that the north London club should go for Manchester City’s Jesus instead.
Despite featuring regularly off the bench under Pep Guardiola since his move from Palmeiras in 2017, the £45m-rated star has still managed 232 appearances, and is just five goals shy of joining the 100-goal club for The Citizens, a true testament to the kind of ability he possesses in front of gooal.
So far this season he has recorded nine assists along with his eight Premier League goals in just 1,635 minutes of action, highlighting just how crucial he is when City are in need of goals and also a reflection of his selfless character.
Amongst all Premier League players, he ranks third for goals + assists per90 (0.88), third for non-penalty goals + assists per90 (0.83) and fourth for goal-creating actions (17) as per FBref, again highlighting that despite his lack of starts and opportunities, he is still incredibly decisive and effective in the final third when he is indeed offered chances to impress.
That is something Mikel Arteta will need to take into consideration if he is to pull off this move in the summer.
AND in other news, transfer insider states Arsenal will need to cough up “£100m” if they are to sign this “frightening” Serie A hitman…
