Owen Backs Arsenal as Rashford's Premier League Landing Spot if Barcelona Deal Collapses

Marcus Rashford faces an uncertain summer as the transfer window looms, with his immediate future hinging on Barcelona's decision-making. The Spanish club must decide by June 15 whether to activate the £26million clause to make his loan from Manchester United a permanent arrangement—and they've already signalled their reluctance.

Barcelona's preference is straightforward: another temporary deal rather than a permanent commitment. However, Manchester United have other ideas entirely. The Red Devils, preparing for Champions League football under Michael Carrick's stewardship, are determined to engineer a permanent exit for the winger this summer rather than entertain another loan spell.

That determination has alerted several top-flight suitors, with Arsenal among the clubs now aware that Rashford could be available. Significantly, United have indicated their willingness to negotiate with the Gunners specifically.

Enter Michael Owen, who has weighed in on what could prove an intriguing potential transfer. The former United striker reckons Arsenal represent a genuinely attractive prospect for Rashford, particularly if the Barcelona situation unravels.

"Arsenal are still sort of searching for a centre forward so it gives you another option up there," Owen explained. "On the left-hand side, Trossard is a very good player and Martinelli's a very good player, but they aren't quite on Rashford's level when he's fit and firing."

Owen envisages Arsenal operating opportunistically in the market rather than embarking on a spending spree. "I can't imagine Arsenal are going to be signing too many players. I expect them just to be quite opportunistic; maybe if a great centre forward comes along or an opportunity to get somebody, then they will act."

Yet the pundit stopped short of declaring it a done deal, acknowledging Rashford's own priorities. "I think Rashford's first priority will be to stay at Barcelona and I think his team will be working around the clock to try to sort that one out. But if that doesn't work, then of course other teams come into the fray and Arsenal could be a great option."

There remains, however, a sliver of possibility that has caught Owen's attention: a potential Manchester United stay under Carrick's management. The new boss knows Rashford intimately, having worked closely with him previously.

"Well, if it was any other manager, then I would say it's impossible," Owen reflected. "The only chink of light is that it's Michael Carrick and he knows him. If he really rates him, then is it beyond the realms?"

Owen suspects Barcelona's reluctance to activate their clause masks deeper negotiations. "They know Rashford wants to stay. Barcelona might be playing hardball, and they might say, 'We'll take it, but you know we're not going to pay that type of fee', so it still might be a lot of posturing."

Despite that glimmer of hope regarding a United resurrection, Owen's money remains on Barcelona. "I would still expect him to be at Barcelona next season personally, and I can't see a return to Manchester United but as I say, the one little glimmer of hope for everybody might be that it's Michael Carrick and he's working wonders already and he knows him really well."