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Arsenal are considering whether to make a move for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford “on a temporary deal”, according to reports.

The Independent claims that the Gunners may look to snap up the England international on loan before the transfer window closes if other deals don’t pan out.

Sporting director Andrea Berta is currently focused on recruiting long-term target Julian Alvarez, but the player has still not been convinced about making the switch to the Emirates.

If the Argentinian international does reject the chance to join the Premier League champions, Rashford is being considered as a potential alternative.

Rashford would be a direct replacement for Martinelli

The pursuit of Alvarez would suggest that manager Mikel Arteta is looking for an out-and-out striker, but he is also said to be open to bringing in a left-sided forward instead.

Gabriel Martinelli’s impending departure means that the Gunners will be left with just Christos Tzolis as the only player who is a natural fit on the left flank. Eberechi Eze could do a job if needed, but it isn’t his preferred position.

Rashford would, therefore, provide competition for Tzolis, and if he is available on loan, it wouldn’t be a costly outlay either, keeping money in the club’s coffers for when they can secure a long term target (such as Juventus’s Kenan Yildiz) in the future.

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Arsenal have looked at several other wingers

Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye, Marseille’s Igor Paixao and Lyon’s Malick Fofana have also been mentioned as potential targets over the past week or so.

However, Ndiaye would cost upwards of £80m, Marseille are determined to keep hold of Paixao, while Fofana has several other suitors. There is no perfect solution out there, so securing the services of Rashford on a temporary basis could make sense if a deal is possible before the transfer window shuts on Tuesday.