Arsenal's stance on shock Marcus Rashford transfer revealed | OneFootball

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is a known admirer of Marcus Rashford, but a report claims the Gunners are unlikely to act on their interest in the Manchester United forward this summer.

Rashford is expected to leave United permanently this summer after a January loan to Aston Villa, who are thought to be undecided over triggering their £40m option to buy the England international permanently.

Having impressed during his time with Villa, Rashford has re-emerged as a target for Paris Saint-Germain, while links with La Liga leaders Barcelona have not faded.

Arsenal were touted as suitors in January before Rashford joined Villa, and according to The Mirror, that is because Arteta is a big fan of the 27-year-old. Indeed, a winter loan was only ruled out because Arsenal had already filled up their two domestic loan spots on season-long deals for Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto and Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling.

Rashford has enjoyed playing football again at Villa / Alex Livesey - Danehouse/GettyImages

There have been suggestions that Arsenal could reignite their pursuit if Villa decline to sign Rashford permanently, but a shift in the Gunners' transfer strategy has rendered a move unlikely.

Arsenal are focused on signing an out-and-out central striker and, while Rashford has led the line for both United and Villa, he is a natural wide forward and that position is not seen as one of importance this summer.

Instead, players like Newcastle United's Alexander Isak, Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko are under consideration - three players who are typical 'number nines'.

For Rashford, much will depend on his personal preference. He can still choose to reject a move to Villa even if Unai Emery's side trigger their purchase option, although a return to United and reintegration there is thought to be out of the question.