Arsenal could pursue a complex three-way transfer arrangement to sign Marcus Rashford this summer, with Barcelona’s financial constraints potentially opening an unexpected route to the Manchester United forward for the Gunners. According to Football.london.
Arsenal explore intricate Barcelona route to secure Marcus Rashford deal
The England international has impressed during his loan spell with Barcelona this season, with the La Liga outfit holding a reported £26m option-to-buy clause. Rashford has expressed his desire to make the move permanent, but Barcelona’s ongoing financial struggles could complicate any direct deal.
Arsenal are actively seeking to strengthen the left-hand side of their attack following their Champions League final defeat to PSG. Manager Mikel Arteta has called on the club’s ownership to be “very ambitious” as they look to reach another level in the transfer market.
The potential swap arrangement centres around Piero Hincapie, with Arsenal holding a £45m option-to-buy for the Ecuador international. The 24-year-old defender has impressed during his 2025/26 loan campaign in North London, but Arteta’s side have options in defence and could sell for a quick profit.
Barcelona’s interest in Hincapie could facilitate a player-plus-cash deal for Rashford, though the mechanics would prove complex. The Catalan club would need to exercise their option on the 28-year-old forward before immediately offloading him to Arsenal as part of the Hincapie negotiations.
Arteta emphasised the club’s transfer ambitions after their European final disappointment, stating: “We start to make some very important decisions if we want to reach another level. We’re going to have to show that ambition because we are more than capable of doing it, but it’s going to demand to be very, very ambitious, very fast and very smart.”
