Chelsea have explored a deal to sign Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford before the summer transfer window closes next week, according to a new report.
Versatile Attacker
The Independent reveals Chelsea are in the market for a “versatile attacker” should Nicolas Jackson be sold before deadline day on 1 September.
Spanish heavyweights Atletico Madrid are interested in the 25-year-old Senegal international, while Aston Villa are another suitor, with England frontman Ollie Watkins strongly linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League.
Under new manager Xabi Alonso, Chelsea will line up in a 3-4-3 formation, as they did last night in the 3-2 win over local rivals Fulham. Rashford’s ability to play across the frontline would make him an ideal fit to back up the first-choice trident of Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro – with all three getting on the scoresheet at Craven Cottage.
The report states the 28-year-old England international is an “option that has been broached” at Stamford Bridge, mirroring a recent shift by the Blues to target players with more experience.
Rashford rules out a switch in England
Having spent last season on loan at FC Barcelona, Rashford was keen to remain at Camp Nou permanently. However, despite becoming a La Liga winner, the Blaugrana opted against triggering the £26 million buy option in the deal with Manchester United.
Marcus Rashford Stats: 2025/26 Season
| Competition | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Red Cards | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LaLiga | 32 | 18 | 8 | 9 | 3 | - | 1,762' |
| UEFA Champions League | 11 | 5 | 5 | 4 | - | - | 579' |
| Copa del Rey | 4 | 3 | 1 | 1 | - | - | 249' |
| Supercopa | 2 | 0 | - | - | - | - | 32' |
| Total | 49 | 26 | 14 | 14 | 3 | - | 2,622' |
With Ruben Amorim having been sacked in January, the main objector to Rashford’s return to Old Trafford was gone, replaced by a familiar face in Michael Carrick, who publicly stated he was happy to work with him again.
INEOS remained intent on finding an exit for Rashford, however, keen to be rid of the club’s most costly salary – worth around £325,000 a week with the Champions League bonus – even if their head coach disagreed.
But despite widespread interest across both England and Europe, the Wythenshawe native would only consider a move to another top club on the continent – not in the Premier League.
Arsenal, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are all understood to have explored Rashford as an option, only to be deterred by the player’s camp and his wage packet. With less than a week remaining of the summer window, Chelsea are likely to hit the same wall.
Final Thoughts
The Peoples Person Reliability Assessment
Overall credibility: 8/10
Why?
Chelsea being in the market for more established players with Premier League experience makes Rashford a sensible target.
The interest in Nicolas Jackson – and the need to then replace him – have been widely reported this summer.
The Independent is a reasonable source for transfer news.
Rashford’s wages would not fit into the model at Stamford Bridge, nor is he interested in joining a domestic rival of Manchester United.
No official confirmation of interest or offers yet.
TPP view:
We believe Chelsea have explored Rashford as an option, but the number of obstacles to a deal mean it is unlikely to progress beyond that.
Featured image Michael Steele via Getty Images
