Ex-Man Utd star urges Arsenal to snap up Rashford for £40m
Rio Ferdinand believes the unsettled Manchester United forward would be a bargain for the Gunners at the reported price.
Arsenal are being tipped to revive their interest in Marcus Rashford this summer, with a former Manchester United defender claiming the winger represents outstanding value at around £40 million. The Premier League champions are looking to bolster their left flank after an inconsistent campaign from Gabriel Martinelli and the expected departure of Leandro Trossard.
Rashford spent last season on loan at Barcelona, where his form revived enough to earn talk of a permanent move. Yet the 28-year-old remains at Old Trafford and has been linked with a switch to north London. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is understood to be keen on adding a proven wide threat to his squad as they prepare to defend their league title and push deeper into the Champions League.
One prominent voice backing the move is Rio Ferdinand, who spent 12 trophy-laden years at United. Speaking on his podcast, the former England centre-back urged the Gunners to act decisively. For that money, I am sweeping Marcus Rashford off his feet, he said. At the right price he really has to be worth a punt.
Rashford's career has been a tale of peaks and troughs. When on form he is capable of tearing defences apart with direct running and clinical finishing, but consistency has eluded him over the past few seasons. At a club like Arsenal, where Arteta emphasises structure and responsibility, Rashford could rediscover his best rhythm. The £40 million valuation is significantly lower than what United would have demanded two years ago, reflecting his fluctuating status.
Arsenal's attacking options are already strong, with Bukayo Saka on the right and Kai Havertz operating centrally. Adding Rashford would provide a different threat on the left and allow Arteta to rotate more effectively across a gruelling season. The move would also represent a statement of intent from the club, who have not been afraid to invest heavily in recent windows.
Whether Manchester United would be willing to sell to a direct rival remains uncertain, but the financial logic is clear. Rashford's wages are high, but at £40 million the transfer fee is a fraction of what other top wingers would cost. For Arsenal, it could be a low-risk gamble on a player with proven Premier League pedigree and a point to prove.
With the summer window gathering pace, the Rashford story is one to watch. Ferdinand's public backing may not sway the deal, but it highlights how many within the game see the attacker as a potential bargain ready to be unlocked.