Mikel Arteta makes intriguing four-word comment as Marcus Rashford stance emerges

Mikel Arteta’s intruiging comments have left the door ajar for a potential January transfer move for wantaway Manchester United ace Marcus Rashford. The 27-year-old forward sent shockwaves through Old Trafford earlier this week by expressing his desire for a “new challenge”, hinting at an exit in 2025.

Just days before Rashford’s revelation, Arteta was quizzed about his plans for the January transfer window, and while he downplayed expectations of a spending spree, he tantalisingly suggested that Arsenal fans could be treated to a “surprise” signing or two. “I never expect January to be super busy but we have to wait and see where we are,” Arteta told reporters, before teasingly admitting: “Some surprises can come.”

Whether Arsenal will test United’s resolve with a bid for Rashford next month remains to be seen. However, given their previous interest in the England international, it’s a situation worth keeping an eye on.

That said, getting Rashford out of Old Trafford might be easier said than done. He has over three years remaining on his £315,000 contract, and whether interested parties will be prepared to satisfy his heft salary demands remains to be seen.

For context, Arsenal’s highest-earner is Kai Havertz, who reportedly makes £280k per week. The German is also one of just four Gunners stars earning over £200k, suggesting that a move for Rashford might only be possible if the player commits to taking a pay cut.

That said, a loan transfer to the Emirates Stadium could be arranged in such a way that maintains both Rashford’s current salary and Arsenal’s wage structure. A case in point is the deal Arsenal brokered for Raheem Sterling last summer.

They secured the winger on loan from Chelsea, agreeing to divide his hefty £325k weekly wages equally, with Arsenal footing half and Chelsea covering the remainder. Whether United would agree to a similar setup, though, remains to be seen.

According to The Sun, United would consider letting Rashford leave on loan in January. However, they are reluctant to lease him out to a rival Premier League club.

Rashford’s “new challenge” remarks followed his surprising exclusion from the squad that took on Manchester City last weekend by manager Ruben Amorim. He was also notably absent from the Carabao Cup clash with Tottenham on Thursday too.

The forward has been off his game for most of the past year and a half, scoring a mere 15 goals across all competitions since the end of the 2022/23 season. Despite being United’s second top scorer this season with seven goals, his performances have generally fallen well short of his best.

Arsenal are not in urgent need of a new attacker, but may seek to bolster their forward options next month given the recent form struggles of Sterling and Gabriel Jesus – despite the latter’s hat-trick against Crystal Palace on Wednesday.

Arteta’s overall lack of firepower has been evident in the league this season after declining to address that area in the summer window. It’s left them trailing behind league leaders Liverpool.