Manchester United are reportedly open to considering offers for Marcus Rashford, despite the player’s apparent reluctance to move to the Saudi Pro League. The England international, who remains under contract at Old Trafford until 2028, has attracted attention from Saudi clubs willing to offer a staggering £35 million per year—a sum that would more than double his current weekly wages of over £300,000. However, Rashford has made it clear he has no intention of leaving for the Gulf state.

The forward’s position at United has become uncertain, with head coach Ruben Amorim recalling the 27-year-old to the squad against Newcastle after a period of exclusion. While Rashford has expressed interest in exploring new challenges, Amorim has not ruled out reintegrating him fully into the team’s plans.

United’s willingness to entertain offers for their academy graduate stems in part from the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), which the club is mindful of. According to reports, the club could consider a permanent transfer if an appropriate bid materializes. Alternatively, a loan move remains a possibility, provided the interested club is willing to pay a substantial loan fee and cover the majority of Rashford’s high wages.

United have shown flexibility with high-earning players in the past, as demonstrated by Jadon Sancho’s recent loan to Chelsea following a stint at Borussia Dortmund. Sancho’s agreement includes an option for Chelsea to make the move permanent for a reduced fee, provided they achieve a league finish of 14th or higher. With Chelsea currently sitting fourth in the table, a permanent deal seems likely.

When questioned about Rashford’s future, Amorim emphasized the forward’s proximity to first-team action despite not using him during the Newcastle match. “Every player on the bench is close to going on the pitch,” Amorim stated, though Rashford did not make an appearance during the game. The match itself saw United suffer a tough start, conceding twice in the opening 20 minutes.

Amorim also addressed criticism over his decision to substitute summer signing Joshua Zirkzee before halftime. “It was a really tough moment for Josh, and I felt I had to do something for the team in that situation,” Amorim explained. “I don’t like to make those decisions, but in that moment, I was thinking of what the team needed. I’m really sorry for Josh.”

With the January transfer window approaching, Rashford’s future remains uncertain. While he remains an integral part of United’s history and fanbase, the evolving financial landscape and United’s strategic considerations may yet see the forward explore opportunities elsewhere.

Diego Leon, the highly-regarded wonderkid from Cerro Porteño, is on the brink of taking a major step in his football career by joining Manchester United. According to his agent, the young defender is set to undergo his medical examination with the Premier League giants in the coming days.

Manchester United’s interest in Leon was initially reported in December 2024. The club moved swiftly to secure the player’s signature, beating out competition from other European teams keen on his talents. Renowned transfer insider Fabrizio Romano later confirmed that a transfer fee had been agreed upon between United and Cerro Porteño, paving the way for the deal to materialize.

Romano further noted that all the necessary paperwork for the move had been finalized. However, Leon will officially join the Red Devils in the summer of 2025, as he is currently 17 and will celebrate his 18th birthday in April.

Fresh details now reveal that Leon is preparing to travel to England for his medical tests. Paraguayan journalist Bruno Pont reported on X (formerly Twitter), citing an update from Renato Bittar, Leon’s agent. Pont’s post stated: “Speaking with Renato Bittar, he confirmed that in the next few days, he and Diego Leon will head to Manchester, where the player will undergo his medical assessment.”

Upon officially joining Manchester United, Leon will make history as the first Paraguayan player to represent the 20-time English champions. This milestone reflects his rapid rise in the football world. The young left-back made his professional debut for Cerro Porteño in Paraguay’s top division in August and quickly cemented his place in the first team.

Leon’s profile as a player is highly impressive. He possesses a remarkable physical presence for his age, coupled with exceptional technical skills. His ability to advance into attacking areas makes him a potent threat on the left flank. Additionally, his speed and aptitude in one-on-one situations are standout qualities, earning him recognition as one of South America’s brightest emerging talents.

This move aligns with Manchester United’s evolving recruitment strategy under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS. The club has increasingly prioritized signing young, promising players who can be developed into future superstars. Leon’s arrival exemplifies this vision.

Meanwhile, Manchester United is gearing up for a significant clash against their arch-rivals Liverpool at Anfield this Sunday, as they continue their domestic campaign.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is grappling with a right-back crisis ahead of the Premier League clash against Brighton & Hove Albion, following Jurrien Timber’s suspension. The Dutch defender received his fifth yellow card of the season during Arsenal’s hard-fought 3-1 victory over Brentford, leaving Arteta without a recognized senior right-back for Saturday’s match.

Arsenal’s Comeback Victory
The Gunners overcame an early setback at the Gtech Community Stadium, with goals from Gabriel Jesus, Mikel Merino, and Gabriel Martinelli overturning Bryan Mbeumo’s opener. The win propelled Arsenal back into second place in the Premier League table, ahead of Nottingham Forest. However, the evening wasn’t without its setbacks, as Timber’s early booking has sidelined him for the Brighton encounter.

Timber’s Absence and Arsenal’s Right-Back Void
Timber’s yellow card came just 17 minutes into the game, marking his fifth caution in Arsenal’s first 19 league matches—a threshold that triggers a one-game suspension. Ironically, had the booking occurred in Arsenal’s 20th game instead, Timber would have avoided the ban altogether.

Since recovering from an ACL injury, Timber has been an indispensable part of Arsenal’s defense, often serving as the only available right-back. With Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu sidelined by long-term injuries, Arteta’s options are limited.

Partey to Step In as Makeshift Right-Back
Arteta is likely to turn to Thomas Partey as an emergency right-back, a role the midfielder has taken on in previous matches against Southampton, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Fulham this season. Although Partey started in midfield alongside Merino and Martin Ødegaard against Brentford, his versatility will likely see him drop into defense for the Brighton fixture.

Declan Rice, who was rested due to a minor knock in Arsenal’s recent 1-0 win over Ipswich Town, came off the bench against Brentford and is expected to return to the starting XI. This should free up Partey to fill the defensive gap on the right flank.

Challenges With Partey at Right-Back
Despite his adaptability, Partey’s deployment as a makeshift right-back has drawn mixed reviews. Arsenal have managed just one win in four matches with Partey in that role, raising concerns about the team’s balance and defensive solidity.

Joshua Nichols: A Wildcard Option
Another potential solution is academy graduate Joshua Nichols. The 18-year-old, who made his senior debut in Arsenal’s 5-1 EFL Cup victory over Bolton Wanderers, has been included in Premier League matchday squads but is yet to feature in a league game. While talented, relying on an inexperienced player in such a crucial position carries risks.

Arsenal’s January Transfer Window Movements
Further complicating matters, Arsenal recently sold Josh Robinson, another right-back option, to Wigan Athletic as their first January transfer window departure. This decision underscores the limited depth in Arteta’s defensive ranks.Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is grappling with a right-back crisis ahead of the Premier League clash against Brighton & Hove Albion, following Jurrien Timber’s suspension. The Dutch defender received his fifth yellow card of the season during Arsenal’s hard-fought 3-1 victory over Brentford, leaving Arteta without a recognized senior right-back for Saturday’s match.

Arsenal’s Comeback Victory
The Gunners overcame an early setback at the Gtech Community Stadium, with goals from Gabriel Jesus, Mikel Merino, and Gabriel Martinelli overturning Bryan Mbeumo’s opener. The win propelled Arsenal back into second place in the Premier League table, ahead of Nottingham Forest. However, the evening wasn’t without its setbacks, as Timber’s early booking has sidelined him for the Brighton encounter.

Timber’s Absence and Arsenal’s Right-Back Void
Timber’s yellow card came just 17 minutes into the game, marking his fifth caution in Arsenal’s first 19 league matches—a threshold that triggers a one-game suspension. Ironically, had the booking occurred in Arsenal’s 20th game instead, Timber would have avoided the ban altogether.

Since recovering from an ACL injury, Timber has been an indispensable part of Arsenal’s defense, often serving as the only available right-back. With Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu sidelined by long-term injuries, Arteta’s options are limited.

Partey to Step In as Makeshift Right-Back
Arteta is likely to turn to Thomas Partey as an emergency right-back, a role the midfielder has taken on in previous matches against Southampton, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Fulham this season. Although Partey started in midfield alongside Merino and Martin Ødegaard against Brentford, his versatility will likely see him drop into defense for the Brighton fixture.

Declan Rice, who was rested due to a minor knock in Arsenal’s recent 1-0 win over Ipswich Town, came off the bench against Brentford and is expected to return to the starting XI. This should free up Partey to fill the defensive gap on the right flank.

Challenges With Partey at Right-Back
Despite his adaptability, Partey’s deployment as a makeshift right-back has drawn mixed reviews. Arsenal have managed just one win in four matches with Partey in that role, raising concerns about the team’s balance and defensive solidity.

Joshua Nichols: A Wildcard Option
Another potential solution is academy graduate Joshua Nichols. The 18-year-old, who made his senior debut in Arsenal’s 5-1 EFL Cup victory over Bolton Wanderers, has been included in Premier League matchday squads but is yet to feature in a league game. While talented, relying on an inexperienced player in such a crucial position carries risks.

Arsenal’s January Transfer Window Movements
Further complicating matters, Arsenal recently sold Josh Robinson, another right-back option, to Wigan Athletic as their first January transfer window departure. This decision underscores the limited depth in Arteta’s defensive ranks.