Top News

Arsenal’s ambitions of securing their first Premier League crown since the 2003/04 campaign took a major hit over the weekend, as they fell to a 2-1 loss against direct title contenders Manchester City.

Following the defeat, which allowed City to close the gap to just three points behind the Gunners—and potentially overtake them if they win their game-in-hand against Burnley later this week—Mikel Arteta admitted that his team lacked the necessary sharpness in front of goal.

“We could have been a bit more composed in certain moments but we certainly took the game to where we wanted and we had big chances to win,” Arteta said after the setback at the Etihad Stadium.

As the aftermath of what might prove to be a pivotal defeat continues to unfold, attention is now turning to how Arsenal can address their lack of clinical finishing and ensure it does not derail their campaign.

The Gunners entered this season following another busy summer transfer window, headlined by the £55 million signing of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP, as the club sought a long-term solution to their striking issues.

The Swedish forward has scored 12 goals in 31 Premier League games so far but began the clash at the Etihad on the bench, coming on only for the last six minutes of play.

This situation raises the question of whether Arsenal need to reinforce their attacking options once again in the upcoming transfer window. Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit believes they should—and has suggested a potential target.

“I would love to see Marcus Rashford at Arsenal,” Petit told Andy’s Bet Club, as quoted by the Express. “I think he'd have a big impact. What he has done at Barcelona, after struggling for two or three seasons, has really impressed me.”

He added, “The Rashford we knew had disappeared for a while and everyone was criticising him, but at Barcelona he has rediscovered his best form.”

Petit went on to express his surprise that Rashford was not included in the starting lineup during Barcelona’s Champions League second-leg clash against Atletico Madrid, noting that Raphinha’s strong form may have influenced that decision.

“Robert Lewandowski being on the bench for both games surprised me too. But returning to Rashford, I think he could be a great fit for Arsenal. He’ll have a point to prove if he comes back to England, and Arsenal are in need of quality wingers,” Petit said.

Rashford joined Barcelona on a season-long loan from Manchester United last summer after falling out of favour under then-manager Ruben Amorim, who was dismissed in January. The English forward has contributed six goals and eight assists in 26 La Liga appearances this season.

Barcelona reportedly hold a £26 million option to make Rashford’s stay permanent, although Transfermarkt currently values him at around €40 million. However, with a recent dip in his performances, a permanent move to Camp Nou now seems uncertain. According to FourFourTwo, while his price tag might make him an attractive option, Rashford is not the natural No.9 that Arsenal should be prioritising this summer.