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Arsenal have spent the summer pursuing expensive signings, but they may now be prepared to compromise in order to bring in Marcus Rashford.

Arsenal could switch course and try to sign Marcus Rashford from Manchester United before deadline day.

That is according to a fresh report which says there is “internal surprise” at London Colney that the Gunners are prepared to let Gabriel Martinelli leave after seven years at the club before first securing a replacement.

Although Arsenal remain interested in Julian Alvarez if the Argentine decides to leave Atletico Madrid, the choices available at this stage of the market are more limited, with the futures of several major targets already settled.

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has made it clear he wants Rashford to stay as part of his squad this season, and he even introduced the England international from the bench last week in the defeat to newly promoted Hull City.

However, with the forward among the Red Devils’ top earners, owner Jim Ratcliffe has been willing in recent years to move Rashford on, with loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona helping ease the wage bill at Old Trafford.

Miguel Delaney of The Independent has now reported that the Manchester United academy graduate is still an option for Mikel Arteta’s side, although Arsenal are not desperate to sign either Rashford or their leading target, Alvarez.

“If Arsenal don’t get [Alvarez], they are relatively relaxed,” Delaney says, adding, “There is some internal surprise they let Gabriel Martinelli go before securing an alternative in that area, although some sources believe it could see Arsenal move for Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford on a temporary deal.

“It’s just as possible they keep the money and wait.”

Arsenal have suffered a series of significant setbacks in the transfer market this summer, having shown interest at different points in Morgan Rogers, Vinicius Jr and Bradley Barcola.

While Rogers surprised the Gunners by joining Chelsea and Vinicius rejected Arteta’s approach in order to sign an improved contract at Real Madrid, Barcola is close to joining Liverpool, with Arsenal ultimately never making a serious offer for the Frenchman.

If Arsenal were to sell Martinelli and then miss out on Alvarez, that would leave Arteta with only Christos Tzolis as a natural left-winger, although the Basque used Eberechi Eze in that role last week during the win over Coventry City.

Noni Madueke could also be used on that side, while youngster Max Dowman is another option who could feature on the left.

According to Transfermarkt, Rashford is valued at €40m. Arsenal take on Aston Villa when Premier League action resumes next weekend.