£26m Man Utd star would ‘thrive’ under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, claims Ally McCoist | Football

Ally McCoist believes Marcus Rashford could ‘thrive’ under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal – but wonders whether a move to the Emirates would be in the Englishman’s best interests.

Rashford left Manchester United to join Barcelona on a season-long loan deal last summer with the option to make the arrangement permanent for €30million (£26m).

Head coach Hansi Flick is eager for the permanent move to go through, but recent reports in Spain suggest the deal could collapse after the Spanish giants indicated they wanted to negotiate a lower fee.

Should Rashford not extend his stay at Barca, the 28-year-old will not be short of suitors if he does not reintergrate back into United’s first-team plans.

And McCoist believes Rashford has all the capabilities to be a pivotal player for the Gunners, who are looking to strengthen their options on the left wing this summer.

‘100 per cent I could see him playing there,’ McCoist told talkSPORT Bet Casino. ‘Marcus Rashford could thrive at Arsenal.’

However, the former Rangers striker insisted that competition for places at Arsenal, combined with Rashford’s promising first season in Spain, would make a move to Barcelona more enticing in his eyes.

‘They [Arsenal] would have to offload first,’ McCoist added. ‘The right-hand side of the attack, I’m thinking about Madueke, Saka, you throw in Martinelli, Trossard on the left.

‘If I was Marcus Rashford, I’d probably want him to think about staying where I am at the moment.

‘I don’t know what the deal is, Hansi Flick has been very complimentary about him, and he’s done well when he’s come in, goal returns good, assists good.

‘If I’m Marcus Rashford, I’m going to stay where I am. Especially given he’s going to win the league.’

Speaking in March about making Rashford’s move permanent, Barca’s sporting director Deco said: ‘We have a clear vision regarding Rashford, and we know what needed to be done for him to stay.’

‘But the matter is related to Financial Fair Play, priorities, performance, and evaluation with the coach. It’s something we haven’t done yet because it’s not the right time.’

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