Transfer Rumours: Monumental Arsenal bid required as Marcus Rashford talks escalate

Tom Weber

Updated: 24 Feb 2026 11:47 CST
5 min read

Marcus Rashford, Barcelona, Man Utd, Transfer rumours — © IMAGO

FootballTransfers runs through the biggest rumours from 24 February, including the latest updates on Marcus Rashford, Micky van de Ven and Aleksandar Stankovic.

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Arsenal to scout Stankovic and Alvarez

Arsenal will have a scout in attendance for Atletico Madrid's clash with Club Brugge on Tuesday, according to Calciomercato.

However, the scout's main focus will not be on long-standing striker target Julian Alvarez, but rather on Brugge midfielder Aleksandar Stankovic, who is in the midst of a breakout season.

Signing the Serbian could prove difficult, though, as Inter have a €23 million buy-back clause that they are expected to exercise. They could be compelled to cash in on him in the summer, but it would require an "indecent offer" from the Gunners.

Barca hold fresh Rashford talks

Barcelona have held fresh discussions with the camp of Man Utd loanee Marcus Rashford, according to Sport.

The Blaugrana have been trying to lower the price of signing Rashford permanently, which currently stands at €30m. Man Utd, however, believe this is fair value for their outcast.

The meeting, which took place on Monday, has left Barcelona optimistic that a compromise with Man Utd could be reached eventually, but work still needs to be done to "bridge the gap."

Man Utd join Van de Ven race

Man Utd have joined Liverpool in the race to sign Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven, according to TEAMtalk.

The Netherlands international has faced criticism for his uninspired body language in recent games, and it is widely believed that he will depart Spurs in the summer.

Liverpool are long-standing admirers, but Man Utd are also in the mix to sign the centre-back. Champions League qualification could make a move to Old Trafford a realistic option.

Real Madrid in major defensive rebuild

Real Madrid are planning to overhaul their defensive department further in the upcoming summer window, according to AS.

After signing Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras and Trent Alexander-Arnold last year, Los Blancos will focus on adding several more central defenders this summer. Nico Schlotterbeck, Jacobo Ramon and Castilla prospect Joan Martinez are earmarked as potential solutions.

To make way for these new players, David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger will be allowed to depart the club on free transfers when their contracts expire. There have been no talks whatsoever over an extension for either player.

Man Utd eye Sangare

Man Utd have been left impressed with the development of Ibrahim Sangare at Nottingham Forest, according to GIVEMESPORT.

The Ivorian has been added to the club's shortlist of summer options, alongside teammate Elliot Anderson, who is believed to be one of the priority targets for the Red Devils.

Sangare would be a direct replacement for Casemiro and would be expected to provide experience in a midfield that will be quite young following the Brazilian veteran's departure.

Inter won't sell Pio Esposito

Arsenal have been informed that Inter striker Francesco Pio Esposito will not be for sale this summer, according to Calciomercato.

FootballTransfers exclusively revealed the Gunners' interest in the Italy international earlier this month, but Inter will refuse to entertain offers for a player earmarked to become their next great striker.

Inter are already putting plans in place to hand Pio Esposito a bumper new long-term contract until 2031 with a more than doubled salary as a show of faith and just reward for his excellent progress over the past 18 months.

Other transfer rumours

Man Utd never had any interest in re-signing Scott McTominay, who is close to extending his Napoli contract. (TEAMtalk)

MLS franchise Orlando City are in "advanced talks" to sign Atletico Madrid legend Antoine Griezmann. (The Athletic)

Liverpool icon Andy Robertson is edging closer to an emotional return to Celtic. (CaughtOffside)

Wonderkid Senny Mayulu is stalling on signing a new PSG contract. (ICI)

Feyenoord are the only European side with a credible interest in Chivas striker Armando Gonzalez amid links with Celtic and Barcelona. (TUDN)

Man Utd will look to sell Andre Onana this summer after his loan at Trabzonspor concludes. (talkSPORT)

Weston McKennie is on the verge of snubbing interest from MLS and various European clubs to sign a new Juventus contract. (Fabrizio Romano)

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Read more about: La Liga Serie A Eredivisie Ligue 1 Premier League MLS Jupiler Pro League Premiership Liga MX Arsenal Atlético Madrid Barcelona Brugge Celtic Chivas Feyenoord Inter Juventus Liverpool Man Utd N. Forest Napoli Orlando PSG Real Madrid Tottenham Trabzonspor Aleksandar Stanković Andrew Robertson André Onana Antoine Griezmann Antonio Rüdiger Armando González Casemiro David Alaba Elliot Anderson Francesco Pio Esposito Julián Alvarez Marcus Rashford Micky van de Ven Scott McTominay Senny Mayulu Weston McKennie