“They can sign him if they table the right offer and I bet they’re going to lay their hand on the PL title by May”- Former Chelsea player Joe Cole believes Arsenal could complete a shock January deal for Manchester United star

“They can acquire him if they present an appropriate offer, and I anticipate they will secure the Premier League title by May.”- Former Chelsea player Joe Cole asserts that Arsenal may execute an unexpected January acquisition of a Manchester United star.

Joe Cole posits that Arsenal may secure an unexpected acquisition of Manchester United’s outcast Marcus Rashford ‘if the financial terms are favourable’ this January.

Rashford, 27, disclosed last month his desire for a ‘new challenge’ outside of United, the club he joined at the age of seven, following a significant decline in performance over the past 18 months.

The United forward had his most prolific season in the 2022/23 campaign, scoring 30 goals in 56 matches, but has since found the net only 11 times in the Premier League.

The Red Devils are receptive to bids for Rashford this month; however, at least half of Rashford’s £325,000 weekly pay must be subsidised by the Old Trafford club to facilitate a temporary transfer.

Several prominent international clubs have expressed interest following Rashford’s surprising announcement a month ago, including AC Milan, Como, Galatasaray, Borussia Dortmund, and Barcelona.

Nearby, clubs such as Newcastle and Arsenal have also been associated with Rashford, who remains in uncertainty as the final two weeks of the January transfer window approach.

In discussing the matter on Al Arabiya News’ The Dressing Room podcast, former West Ham player Cole proposed that the London Stadium may be an appropriate destination for the disregarded England international.

Cole stated, “His options are limited due to his substantial salary.”

If I were the West Ham manager conversing with David Sullivan, the chairman, and there was a potential of a transfer, I would assert, “Acquire him for me!” while offering a supportive gesture.

I would simply engage him in conversation and enquire, “Marcus, what do you require?” Inform me. “I desire your presence; whatever you require… it constitutes effective man-management.”

Cole anticipated Rashford commencing his tenure at West Ham with immediate impact, much to Jesse Lingard’s transition from Old Trafford to east London during the latter half of the 2020/21 season.

“I would invite his family to collaborate, stating, ‘Let us work together, as we all desire the same outcome!’ This sentiment was similarly expressed regarding Jesse Lingard,” remarked the former West Ham, Chelsea, and England winger.

‘If he goes on loan to West Ham, he plays 15 games and he does what Jesse Lingard did, let me tell you: they would all be queuing up to take him.’

According to Cole, it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that Rashford could seal a stunning switch to Arsenal before the deadline.

On the assumption that United wouldn’t allow Rashford go to the Emirates, Cole responded: ‘If the money is right, I think they would.

‘Because I don’t think Manchester United see themselves this season, for a loan deal, competing with Arsenal.

‘I don’t know, maybe Manchester United fans might tell me different.’

Cole stated, “He is a left forward.” He’s never looked comfortable, for me, centrally.

‘I think the trick for Marcus is everyone around him, what he comes with, getting them all on side and saying, “Listen, let’s try and make this thing happen!”, I’d love to see it.’