Audacious Rashford swap deal proposed with Arsenal star joining Man Utd

Former Arsenal defender Lee Dixon admits he'd swap Marcus Rashford for Myles Lewis-Skelly and believes Mikel Arteta would "be great" for the Manchester United frontman.

The forward is back at Old Trafford after Barcelona opted against making his loan move permanent. It means he could appear for his boyhood club for the first time in more than 18 months and has just been handed a new squad number, 14, suggesting a first-team role is likely.

Rashford has endured peaks and troughs during his United career but, when on form, is an impressive performer. Across his decade at the Red Devils he's scored six times against Arsenal.

The Gunners themselves are in the market for reinforcements in the final third and, with Lewis-Skelly facing an uncertain future due to his standing in the pecking order, Dixon has suggested a swap would be a good move.

He told BestBettingSites: "Would I swap them (Myles Lewis Skelly and Marcus Rashford)? You know what, I probably would. And that's nothing against Myles Lewis-Skelly; it's about giving him the freedom to go and expand his game elsewhere.

"With Marcus Rashford, he's a player who needs an arm around his shoulder, and Arteta would be great for him. Give him that love, give him the freedom to play on that left side, and yeah, I'd like to see him in an Arsenal shirt. I have my reservations about whether he's consistently a top-class player, but based on what Arsenal have in the squad now, he'd be a good addition."

United's frontline has been revamped since Rashford was frozen out by Ruben Amorim with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko all ariving. Amad Diallo also continues to blossom.

The 28-year-old has been linked with a permanent exit on numerous occasions, but is set to be re-integrated into the team during pre-season ahead of their Premier League opener.

At Arsenal, Lewis-Skelly recovered from a disappointing opening few months and ended up starting in the Champions League final. He only started five league games and was far more utilised in the Champions League by Arteta.

His versatility makes him an asset and United have been looking to bolster their ranks in midfield and at left-back - two positions that Lewis-Skelly can play.

Sky's Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle includes at least 215 live Premier League clashes across the 2026/27 season with more than 1,400 live games across the EFL and beyond, plus F1, golf and darts.