Marcus Rashford to Arsenal: 'January transfer decision made'
Marcus Rashford making a move to Arsenal from Man United in January now looks unlikely after the latest update at the Emirates.
The attacker's total omission from the matchday squad for the Manchester derby on Sunday (15 December) has surely only raised further questions about his future at Old Trafford.
Even before that though, the 27-year-old was being touted for an exit after struggling for game time since the appointment of Ruben Amorim.
Speaking earlier last week former England international Joe Cole had suggested that Rashford would be a good signing for Arsenal to boost their attacking options.
However, a new update on the future of another player currently at The Emirates Stadium may have shut down those suggestions for the time being at least.
Raheem Sterling plans could impact potential Arsenal move for Marcus Rashford
If he did make this move to the Gunners, Rashford would not be the first high-profile England attacker they have signed from one of their big name rivals recently.
Back in the summer transfer window Mikel Arteta's side completed the signing of Raheem Sterling on a season-long loan from Chelsea.
Since then, the 30-year-old has found things tough in North London, making just four starts in ten appearances in all competitions.
His only goal for the club meanwhile, came in a Carabao Cup win over League One side Bolton Wanderers in late September.
Mikel Arteta needs more attacking production at The Emirates
That in turn would logically mean the Gunners won't consider a move for Rashford worth making at the turn of the year.
Both are similar players in that they are attackers can operate either from the left-wing, or if needed, at centre-forward.
So if Sterling does remain alongside the rest of their attacking options they will feel they have enough depth in their attack without having to bring in Rashford.
Considering the struggles the Chelsea loanee has endured since making this move, Arsenal may also be wary about taking a risk on another player who has fallen on tough times recently.
Neither is likely to be cheap either, both in terms of a fee and wages, even if the Blues a still paying a large part of the latter for Sterling, and so they may not want to put too much of their budget into two of these deals either.
With that in mind, it now feels like it would take something of a surprise if Rashford does depart Man United for him to end up at the Emirates Stadium in the next few weeks.
For more Arsenal news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.