ARSENAL have made contact with Manchester United over a shock move for Marcus Rashford, it’s stunningly been claimed.The England international sensationally revealed late last year that he’s looking for a “new challenge”.Marcus Rashford revealed late last year that he wants to leave Manchester UnitedArsenal have reportedly made a move to try and sign the wantaway strikerCredit: The TimesSeveral clubs in Europe are understood to be keen on signing the 27-year-old striker, who has fallen down the Old Trafford pecking order following the arrival of Ruben Amorim.And it’s claimed the Gunners have made their interest in signing the United outcast known to the Red Devils brass.During an appearance on Calciomercato – L’origine Live, Italian reporter Massimo Marianella, as relayed by Spazioj, said: “It seems that Arsenal have made a phone call to Manchester United for Rashford.”The club has valued him at £25million.”READ MORE ON RASHFORDAs it stands, SunSport understands Arsenal are NOT in talks over a move for Rashford and are looking at other options.The Emirates faithful were quick to react to the prospect of Rashford arriving in north London.One wrote on X: “We already have a winger we aren’t using.”Another said: “We all know this is going to happen.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhy Rashford joining Arsenal is perfect fitBy Martin LiptonMARCUS RASHFORD is at a crossroads.But now the England star has to make the biggest choice he has ever faced – does he care about cash, or about his career?Rashford’s shock admission that he is “ready for a new challenge” after some two decades under the Manchester United umbrella has altered the dynamic around his future.That Rashford might not fit the blueprint of Ruben Amorim – who has now responded to Rashford’s comments – was not exactly a surprise.The Portuguese coach prefers a 3-4-3 formation but appears to have settled on Rasmus Hojlund as his starting central striker and wants two “narrow” inside forwards, with the width coming from the wing-backs.Rashford has always wanted to play through the middle but is often at his best exploiting spaces out wide – and that skillset does not necessarily suit the way Amorim wants to play.Even so, going public with his evident dissatisfaction at being bombed entirely from the squad for the Manchester derby was a major move, even if he vowed there would be “no hard feelings” if he does leave his boyhood club.In truth, Rashford has been leaving United almost from the moment he signed that new £325,000 per week contract in 2023.Something was broken in his connection to the club. His form dropped, his threat dissipated, his issues with the hierarchy deepened.When Erik ten Hag dropped him for hosting a birthday party after a derby defeat, and he later pulled a sickie to miss the FA Cup game with Newport, it felt even then that the writing was on the wall.The facts suggest the love affair has ended. After scoring 30 in all competitions to earn that new deal, he has scored just 15 in the 18 months since it was signed.Amorim’s arrival seems merely to have accelerated what was increasingly inevitable.Now, though, it is up to Rashford to determine what his future will bring.If it is only about the money, then his options might be somewhat limited.It is hard to see a Prem rival coughing up the same £16.9m annual salary – although Rashford’s comments have probably knocked £20m-plus off any transfer fee.But Real Madrid have their fill of big-money strikers and Barcelona’s budget remains restricted by LaLiga financial controls.In Europe, then, that probably leaves PSG – but a move to a one-club league.Or, in the wider world, he could follow the likes of Ivan Toney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Roberto Firmino and Co and head to the Saudi desert. Lucrative, yep. Certainly a different environment – and that may be exactly what Rashford both wants and needs. But the football? Not in a million years.What Rashford needs, above all, is to be able to play for trophies and showcase his talents.There is no better stage than the Premier League – which has far more global eyeballs on it than any other domestic competition.And in that Premier League there is one club crying out for a goalscoring No 9, especially if he can also play down the left channel to balance out the side and widen its threat.Rashford has always been more Longsight than London.Yet Arsenal, and Mikel Arteta, might be the perfect fit.The Gunners’ lack of a proper scorer is one of the major factors many fans feel has hurt their title challenge this year.Gabriel Jesus has never been a natural finisher, while Kai Havertz is still a converted midfielder.And while the link-up between Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka makes their right flank deadly, faith in Gabriel Martinelli on the left is waning.There have not been too many who succeeded at Arsenal after leaving United – although Danny Welbeck was not a flop.Rashford has all the attributes to change that history, if he can reproduce what everybody knows is inside him.And by breaking free, giving himself the chance to start all over, Rashford can make a point to Amorim that will resonate for a very long time.And another said: “This would be the most Arsenal signing of all time.”One remarked: “90% of Arsenal fan base knew it. Nothing shocking anymore for our club.”Ruben Amorim explains why Marcus Rashford is still exiled at Man Utd despite ‘wanting to play’ Another chimed in: “Crazy, crazy window. Brace yourself, guys.”United academy graduate Rashford revealed his intention to leave the club in an unauthorised interview last December.His bombshell announcement came after he was exiled by Ruben Amorim.He told journalist Henry Winter: “For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps.”When I leave it’s going to be, ‘No hard feelings.’ “You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. “That’s me as a person. “If I know that a situation is already bad I’m not going to make it worse. “I’ve seen how other players have left in the past and I don’t want to be that person. “When I leave, I’ll make a statement, and it will be from me.”Amorim said of the interview: “It is a hard situation.”I understand these players have a lot of people around them, making choices that are not the first idea from the player.”They chose to do the interview as it is not just Marcus.”He later added: “At the moment I’m focused on improving Marcus. READ MORE SUN STORIES”We need a talented guy like Marcus. “I forget the interview now and see what I see on the pitch.”United, coincidentally, will be back in action on Saturday against Arsenal in their FA Cup third-round clash at the Emirates. More
