Martin Keown believes that Arsenal have three positions they need to fill this summer, but Marcus Rashford shouldn’t be one of them.
The Manchester United winger has been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium in the past, but nothing so far this summer as the England international’s future remains in limbo.
However, Keown does believe that the Gunners need a new left winger with Leandro Trossard departing north London to join Besiktas.
This leaves just Gabriel Martinelli as Arsenal’s only natural left forward, though Eberechi Eze can play there having done so regularly at former club Crystal Palace.
The former centre-back would also like to see a central midfielder added and possibly a striker.
Newcastle United’s captain Bruno Guimaraes has informed the club that he would like to join the Gunners.
However, talkSPORT understands the Magpies are looking for £100million to part ways with the Brazilian.
The Gunners are also interested in Julian Alvarez, who is seeing a potential move to Barcelona being blocked by Atletico Madrid.
Speaking with Alex Crook on talkSPORT, Keown said: “I think Arsenal need another midfield player, someone who can control things.
“I think they need a left winger. You could say, they might go into the transfer market for a striker – I wouldn’t put it past them.
“Most players will want to sign for Arsenal, but the most important thing is to get the people who are successful to re-sign their contracts.
“Keep them on board, build what you have got, and then, add real quality to it. It has to be quality because we are talking about the champions.”
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Crook then read out some messages from people who suggested Rashford, but it was put to bed by Keown.
“I don’t see that. I’d be surprised if that happened,” Keown said when asked about Rashford potentially joining Arsenal.
“I thought Rashford did well for Aston Villa. They didn’t have the money to buy him.”
When asked if he didn’t want Rashford because of attitude, Keown responded: “I just think he went off the rails. Lots of talk behind the scenes of potential issues.
“I think he’s back on track now, and it is an interesting one when he goes back to Manchester United with Carrick.
“Does he welcome him back in? There is talk of him living in the city again. Is that a problem?
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“But I think he’s back on keel, and you really want to see these players play at their best. It is a short career, so get out there and play.”
No go
It is increasingly likely that Rashford will start the season as a Manchester United player.
The £40m clause in his deal has expired, with Barcelona choosing not to activate the option to buy in the loan.
Instead, they signed Anthony Gordon from Newcastle as well as Karim Adeyemi.
Rashford not going back to the Camp Nou leaves a potentially awkward reunion with the Man United fans on the cards.
