The stunning Man Utd and Arsenal swap deal that would solve major transfer issues for both clubs

The biggest story involving Manchester United in the January transfer window is the future of Marcus Rashford. The England international said last month that he feels it’s time for a new challenge and looks poised to leave the club he has been with his entire career.

The comments came in the wake of the Manchester derby, a game United dramatically won 2-1 at Manchester City but a fixture that Rashford was not involved in - as he was dropped by new boss Ruben Amorim. Since the transfer window opened a host of clubs have been linked with Rashford. There’s been reported talks with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan and Borrusia Dortmund.

In the Premier League West Ham have asked to be kept informed of the situation as they weigh up their capabilities of making a move to the London Stadium happen while Barcelona emerged on Friday as the latest possible contender. Given Rashford’s wages, it could prove tricky for interested clubs to complete a deal this month. Another side credited with an interest is Premier League rivals Arsenal. The sides meet in the FA Cup this weekend but given both teams’ needs from this transfer window a swap deal between the clubs could make perfect sense.

The ‘perfect’ swap

Arsenal need more options in the forward positions after a serious injury to star man Bukayo Saka last month. The England international is facing several months out after injuring his hamstring against Crystal Palace. One position United want to strengthen this month is the left wing-back slot. An ideal scenario could see Rashford move to North London in a swap plus cash deal for Kieran Tierney.

The Scotland international is set to leave the Emirates Stadium at the end of his contract this summer. The Gunners are said to have considered a move for Rashford but are reportedly not willing to pay more than £25m to sign him. Given that Tierney is poised to leave Arsenal as a free agent, the Gunners could look to use him to sweeten a deal for Rashford. Tierney arrived at Arsenal from Celtic to £25m in the summer of 2019. He was highly regarded at the time but injuries meant he has struggled to kick on. He is now fit again, and given that he is still only 27, he still has plenty to offer. The left of United’s defence is an issue currently with Luke Shaw facing more injury woes with Amorim surely open to reinforcements.

Why it makes sense

United could still pocket the £25m that Arsenal are reportedly willing to pay for Rashford while being able to reinforce their squad with Premier League and Champions League experience. Given that Rashford is an academy player his sale will be regarded as pure profit and put United in a stronger position in terms of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations. Tierney has been linked with a return to Celtic once his contract runs out but he could well be tempted to be part of Amorim’s project as the former Sporting CP boss looks for improvement in the second half of the campaign

While Tierney may not be seen as a long-term solution as a starting left wing-back in Amorim’s system, he can still provide a great option as a squad player moving forward if the Red Devils opt to pursue another player for the position. Patrick Dorgu, Milos Kerkez and Nuno Mendes are said to be the three key targets for Amorim but will prove costly.