Manchester United are reportedly exploring a high-profile swap deal involving Marcus Rashford and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, a move that could shake up the Premier League and frustrate Arsenal in the process. Rashford, who joined Villa on loan in January, has impressed with nine goal contributions in 16 appearances, overtaking Watkins as Unai Emery’s preferred striker, including in key Champions League matches against Paris Saint-Germain.
Villa have a £40 million option to buy Rashford permanently, but Manchester United are reportedly keen to negotiate a swap that would send Watkins, a proven Premier League goalscorer with 74 top-flight goals, to Old Trafford in exchange for Rashford signing permanently for Villa. Watkins, who recently became Villa’s joint all-time Premier League top scorer, has expressed frustration at losing his starting spot to Rashford, especially after being benched in the Champions League quarter-finals despite strong performances domestically.
The potential deal is notable because Arsenal had targeted Watkins last summer but were rebuffed by Villa, and a move to United would deny Arsenal a key transfer target. Watkins is motivated by the prospect of regular football ahead of the 2026 World Cup, where he aims to play a significant role for England.
Former players have weighed in on the swap’s implications: Teddy Sheringham believes Rashford’s body language suggests he no longer sees a future at United and is happy at Villa, while Gabby Agbonlahor warns that Rashford’s strong form could attract interest from other top European clubs, potentially complicating Villa’s efforts to sign him permanently due to financial constraints.
In summary, this swap deal could significantly impact the Premier League’s transfer landscape, strengthening both sides while potentially frustrating Arsenal’s ambitions to sign Watkins.