Aston Villa are reportedly keen on securing a loan deal for Marcus Rashford from Manchester United, with discussions already underway regarding the forward's potential transfer. The Mirror has indicated that Villa Park’s recruitment team is actively exploring options for the 60-cap England international, who has experienced a reduction in playing time at Old Trafford this season.
The recent sale of Jhon Duran to a Saudi Arabian club for £77.5 million has significantly bolstered Aston Villa's transfer budget, prompting manager Unai Emery to seek a suitable replacement for the departing forward. While Barcelona is currently viewed as the frontrunner for Duran, their ability to finalise the transfer hinges on offloading several players from their existing squad. This scenario has opened a potential pathway for Villa to acquire Rashford as a backup for Ollie Watkins.
Watkins has recently reaffirmed his commitment to Aston Villa, despite Arsenal's interest, which saw a £60 million bid turned down earlier this week. Emery confirmed Watkins' dedication, stating, "Yes, he is happy to stay. You can ask him, but we asked him how he is feeling every day, every year he has been here with Aston Villa, with us and without us. He is happy to stay." This commitment is crucial for Villa as they look to maintain a competitive edge in the league.
However, the prospect of bringing Rashford to Villa presents financial challenges, particularly concerning his substantial weekly salary of £315,000. In contrast, Villa's highest earner, Emi Martinez, reportedly earns around £7.5 million annually, highlighting the disparity in wage structures. Consequently, Aston Villa would likely need Manchester United to subsidise part of Rashford's salary to facilitate the move.
In addition to Rashford, Villa are also considering alternatives such as Marco Asensio and Joao Felix from Paris Saint-Germain, particularly in light of Duran's exit. Emery has underscored the significance of Watkins to the club, emphasising the mutual benefits of his continued presence: "The commitment of Ollie Watkins with us is a huge commitment; he appreciates a lot how Aston Villa was always supporting him."
Emery further elaborated on the relationship between the player and the club, stating, "Now we need him, like he needed Aston Villa. The conversation we are having usually, I am speaking with him a lot; he is always adapting to every circumstance we have in the squad and individually with him."
As Aston Villa navigate this transitional period, the potential acquisition of Rashford, alongside other strategic signings, remains a focal point for fans and analysts alike. The coming weeks will be critical in determining how the club solidifies its squad ahead of the second half of the season, with the hope that these moves will enhance their competitiveness in the league.