Arsenal and Chelsea handed Marcus Rashford transfer boost as Aston Villa issue emerges

and have reportedly been given a boost over the possibility of signing this summer. The forward is widely expected to leave ahead of next season, having spent the second half of the campaign on loan at Aston Villa. There is a chance that he could stay in a bid to revive his career at Old Trafford, but such a move would seem unlikely.

A permanent exit would be the ideal solution, while another loan move could be an option if United fail to find a buyer. Any money raised by selling Rashford would go down as pure profit, given that he is a product of their youth academy. He remains tied down until the summer of 2028 and is reportedly valued at £40million by the Red Devils.

Villa have the option to buy Rashford at that price when his loan deal expires at the end of the season. However, the likes of Arsenal or Chelsea could still muscle in and snap him up for themselves when the bidding opens.

There is nothing to stop other clubs from buying Rashford at the same price because Villa do not have a first option, according to the . It means the player could join a different team if he wishes, as long as United also agree to the move.

Any deal to sign Rashford will prove to be hugely expensive, given his exorbitant wage demands. He is said to be unwilling to accept a pay cut, meaning it will take at least £315,000 per week to prise him away from Old Trafford.

The report adds that Rashford would be reluctant to join a club in London as things stand. However, it remains to be seen whether he will soften his stance if Arsenal and Chelsea are the only teams willing to match his salary expectations.

He is reportedly hoping to join a Champions League club, which would put Chelsea out of contention if they fail to secure a top-five finish. Arsenal could also slip down the table if they lose both of their remaining matches and other results go against them.

Only time will tell where Rashford will be playing his football when the upcoming season gets underway. Clubs in Germany, Italy and Saudi Arabia were also linked with his signature before he joined Villa on loan in January.