--- source: thedugout.football generated: 2026-06-17T15:12:46.879Z last_updated: 2026-06-17T05:00:00+00:00 data_provider: API-Football canonical: https://thedugout.football/clubs/arsenal/news/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZm9vdGJhbGwubG9uZG9uL2Fyc2VuYWwtZmMvdHJhbnNmZXItbmV3cy9tYW4tdXRkLWNhbi1naWZ0LWFyc2VuYWwtMzQxMzA1NDM --- # Man Utd can gift Arsenal an early title race boost thanks to £40m clause - **Source:** - **Published:** 17 Jun - **Club:** Arsenal - **Original URL:** https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/transfer-news/man-utd-can-gift-arsenal-34130543 Arsenal ruffled a few feathers when they lifted the trophy at Selhurst Park on the final day of the season. The ceremony marked a change of guard in the Premier League, where the Gunners became the first team other than Manchester City or Liverpool to win the competition since 2017, when Chelsea ran riot under Antonio Conte. But unlike Manchester City and Liverpool, Berta reportedly has the chance to sign Marcus Rashford for a cut-price fee. According to The Athletic, Barcelona did not activate the €30million (£26m) option-to-buy clause, which expired on Monday, in the Manchester United star's season-long loan. FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page Rashford, whose contract at Old Trafford expires in June 2028, featured 49 times for the Catalan outfit across all competitions last season, scoring 14 goals and providing 14 assists. The England international played a key role in Hansi Flick's side as they won La Liga. The report claims Rashford will return to Carrington next month, but it's unclear where he'll play his football next term. It's said a return to the Camp Nou can't be ruled out, but the Red Devils plan to only entertain permanent offers. The Athletic reckon there is a £40m release clause available to admirers, apart from Manchester City and Liverpool. A number of Premier League clubs have already reportedly expressed interest, but, as it stands, the 28-year-old forward would rather honour the final two years of his contract at Old Trafford than join an English team. Rashford would be a superb addition to Arteta's squad, giving Arsenal an edge over their rivals in the title race. The Gunners happen to be in the market for a new forward, with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard set to enter the final year of their respective contracts at the end of June. In an interview with the Metro earlier this month, Michael Owen urged Arsenal to secure Rashford's signature. The former Liverpool and Manchester United striker said: "Arsenal are still sort of searching for a centre forward, so it gives you another option up there. "Obviously 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. 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. But I don’t think it’s the worst shout to be honest. "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." We've launched a new Arsenal podcast 'Seeing Red' with chief football writer John Cross and Arsenal reporter Tom Canton. Each week, they will dive deep into the biggest topics as they follow Mikel Arteta's side every step of the way - and will also discuss nostalgic flashbacks before each fixture. It's a great time to be an Arsenal fan, with the Gunners flying high under Arteta as they look to win silverware this season. The North Londoners are going strong in the Premier League and Champions League - and they're also in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals. We'll provide insight and reaction - and have fun along the way - as Arsenal target the biggest trophies this season. Click here to view our YouTube channel Click here to download our podcasts