‘He can be devastating’ - Arsenal backed to snatch international forward from Premier League rivals

Arsenal saw their lead at the top of the Premier League cut to just two points over the weekend as Manchester City picked up all three points against Brighton and the Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw by Southampton.

Mikel Arteta’s side are in UEFA Europa League action on Thursday when they face PSV Eindhoven at the Philips Stadion before their next league match against Nottingham Forest on Sunday. The winter break for the FIFA World Cup finals is fast approaching and the January transfer window will open shortly after, where the Gunners could look to strengthen their numbers in a bid to push on in the title race. With the chance to make moves drawing ever closer, one former Arsenal star has tipped the club to make a ‘concrete move’ for one of their biggest rivals’ top stars.

Kevin Campbell, who made over 200 appearances for the Highbury side between 1988 and 1995, believes Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford “ticks some really good boxes” for Arteta. In an interview with Football Insider, he said: “On the counter attack, he can be devastating. He undone Arsenal at Old Trafford earlier this season with his speed. Rashford can be devastating on his day, we know that. Manchester United are dithering by the sounds of it.

“I’m sure Arsenal would go for him if he became available next summer. He is an international player who has played on the big stages. He knows how to get games won. That is what Arsenal lack sometimes. It would be great to have a player of his experience as part of the rotation.”

Rashford had previously been in and out of the Old Trafford first team but has been in excellent form for the Red Devils this season, scoring five goals in 13 appearances across all competitions. The England international is out of contract at the end of the current season and Arsenal could capatalise on that fact if United are unable to agree a new deal with the player. The 24-year old came through the United youth academy and has been a member of the first team squad since 2015.