Paul Scholes Says Marcus Rashford Should Make Shock Arsenal Move

Paul Scholes has suggested Marcus Rashford should join Arsenal this summer – a claim that will raise eyebrows at both ends of the country.

Speaking on The Good, The Bad, & The Football podcast, the Manchester United legend argued the move would be “a great move for both parties,” despite there being no serious reported interest from the Gunners.

It is a genuinely eyebrow-raising take given Rashford’s future is still theoretically tied to Barcelona, where he has just finished a loan spell that showed real glimpses of his best form. But Scholes is making a wider point – and it is one worth examining.

Scholes Makes His Case – and Doesn’t Hold Back

Scholes was unambiguous on the podcast: “That would be a great move, a great move for both parties. I think Arsenal would be a great move for him and the club.” He also made clear he cannot see Rashford returning to Old Trafford, suggesting United probably do not want him back and that repairing that relationship would be “quite difficult.”

That verdict on Rashford’s United future has become something of a recurring theme from Scholes – he has consistently argued the forward will never play for the Red Devils again. Backing Arsenal as the destination is the new wrinkle, and it is the kind of pundit claim that tends to land differently depending on which shirt you wear. United legends making divisive pundit calls has become something of a theme.

The Case for Scholes – Rashford’s Numbers Give It Some Legs

Rashford finished his Barcelona loan with 14 goals and 10 assists across all competitions – numbers that represent a genuine revival after a miserable final chapter at United. He is 28 years old, still in the prime years of his career, and has shown at the Nou Camp that the quality is still there when he is playing with confidence.

Arsenal’s left-flank options – Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard – have both been inconsistent at different points, and there is a legitimate argument that Rashford at his best would upgrade that position. The fee would likely sit around the £26 million mark, the same option-to-buy figure Barcelona have been negotiating with United, which is reasonable value for a player with his ceiling. As our coverage of Rashford’s permanent transfer situation outlines, United want a clean sale rather than another loan – which could work in Arsenal’s favour if they moved.

Why Arsenal Almost Certainly Won’t Do This – At Least Not Yet

The problem is that Arsenal are not currently interested, and the logic only goes so far. Mikel Arteta’s side will likely prioritise a younger wide forward who gives them a world-class option for the long term – Rashford’s wages, reportedly around £325,000 per week, also complicate any deal significantly.

Barcelona still hold an option to buy and have been exploring ways to restructure the deal rather than walk away entirely. Newcastle and Tottenham are also monitoring the situation. The reality is that Arsenal is currently a Scholes idea – not a transfer story.

What to Watch as the Summer Window Opens

The decisive moment will come when Barcelona confirm whether they are activating that purchase option or walking away. If they walk, United need a buyer willing to meet their valuation – and the field opens up fast.

Whether Arsenal enter that conversation seriously – or whether Rashford ends up at a Newcastle or Spurs instead – will tell you a lot about how ambitiously Arteta approaches this window.