Bayern Munich’s Interest in Marcus Rashford
Bayern Munich have emerged as contenders to sign Manchester United’s 27-year-old forward Marcus Rashford, who is available for around £40m following his return from a loan at Aston Villa, where he scored 7 goals in 18 games in 2024/25. After failing to secure Liverpool’s Luis Díaz, Bayern have added Rashford to their shortlist alongside PSG’s Bradley Barcola, AC Milan’s Rafael Leão, and Athletic Club’s Nico Williams, as they seek a replacement for Leroy Sané, who joined Galatasaray. Rashford, with 60 England caps and 17 goals in 2024/25 across all competitions, has expressed a desire to join Barcelona, but Bayern’s interest, backed by Vincent Kompany’s vision, could sway him. United, under Ruben Amorim, expect low offers due to Rashford’s inconsistent form (1.9 shots per game) and are open to a sale to fund moves like Bryan Mbeumo’s £65m transfer.
Arsenal’s Pursuit of Maghnes Akliouche
Arsenal are targeting AS Monaco’s 23-year-old winger Maghnes Akliouche, valued at €70m, as a secondary option to their primary attacking target, Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres (£60m deal close). Akliouche, who shares an agent with Gyökeres, scored 7 goals and provided 12 assists in Ligue 1 in 2024/25, showcasing his flair (2.8 dribbles per game) and versatility on the wings. Monaco are reluctant to sell, but Arsenal, also eyeing Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman (€50m), see Akliouche as competition for Gabriel Martinelli, who faces interest from Bayern Munich and an unnamed Saudi Pro League club offering a “huge” sum. Mikel Arteta’s need for a clinical goalscorer, with Arsenal’s last 20-goal striker being Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (2019/20), drives their interest, though budget constraints after signing Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi may limit their spending.
Rashford’s Uncertain Future
Rashford’s future at Manchester United remains unclear after a turbulent 2024/25, marked by his Europa League final benching and a social media post in an Aston Villa shirt. Former teammate Timothy Fosu-Mensah praised his “evident quality,” urging him to join a club where he’s happiest, with Barcelona prioritizing Nico Williams but keeping Rashford as an option. Newcastle United have also explored a loan move, but Rashford’s reluctance to join a non-Champions League club and his goal to reclaim an England spot under Thomas Tuchel complicate matters. His 10 goals and 6 assists in the Premier League last season show potential, but United’s signings of Matheus Cunha and Mbeumo signal a squad overhaul.
Akliouche and Arsenal’s Strategy
Akliouche’s potential move to Arsenal aligns with Arteta’s focus on young, versatile attackers, but Monaco’s €70m valuation poses a challenge, especially with Martinelli’s uncertain future. Bayer Leverkusen also view Akliouche as a “dream” target, per Florian Plettenberg, adding competition. Arsenal’s recent signings, including Christian Norgaard (£10m) and a renewed contract for Gabriel Magalhães, show their ambition, but fans on X urge a focus on a No. 9 like Gyökeres to end their title drought. Akliouche’s 1.8 key passes per game could complement Bukayo Saka, but financial constraints may force Arsenal to prioritize one major signing.
Looking Forward
Bayern Munich’s pursuit of Rashford depends on their failure to land higher-priority targets like Barcola or Leão, with talks expected to intensify before United’s pre-season starts on July 7, 2025. Arsenal aim to finalize Gyökeres’ deal before their Club World Cup semi-final on July 3, with Akliouche as a fallback if funds allow. Rashford’s potential move to Bayern or Barcelona could reshape United’s attack, while Arsenal’s interest in Akliouche signals a busy window closing on September 1. Fans on X are split, with some backing Rashford’s “fresh start” and others excited for Akliouche’s “flair.” The Premier League kickoff on August 15, with United facing Arsenal, adds urgency to both clubs’ transfer plans.
