There has been plenty of talk about Chelsea going out and signing proven and experienced players in this summer transfer window. Xabi Alonso’s arrival is expected to tweak the recruitment strategy. The Spaniard has been appointed as manager, and not head coach.
That has come with the supposed promise that he will have more of a say on transfer matters. Let’s see if that happens or not.
Over the last few days, I have tried to make the case for Chelsea to go out and sign Marcus Rashford. It has been reported that internal talks have already taken place. But unfortunately, it looks like another club has taken the lead in this race.
According to TEAMtalk, Bayern Munich are growing increasingly confident of securing the signing of Marcus Rashford from Manchester United this summer. They have held positive discussions with the English international’s representatives. The Bavarian giants are preparing an opening bid in the region of €25 million.
Bayern Munich leading race to sign Rashford
It has been suggested that Manchester United would want a transfer fee north of €30 million to part ways with Rashford. It remains to be seen if that will happen or not.
On the other hand, earlier reports had suggested that Chelsea are open to signing Rashford. But only on a loan deal.
The same claim has been made about Barcelona as well. Despite scoring 14 goals and providing 14 assists for Barca last season, they did not take up the €30 million option to sign Rashford permanently. Instead, they spent almost three times that to bring in Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United. It is believed they would be open to another loan deal though.
So, it looks like Bayern Munich are now the frontrunners to sign Rashford. If Chelsea want him, they will need to shell out a transfer fee to do that.
Why Rashford could be a good signing for Chelsea
Of course, numbers are not everything in football. That being said, over a long enough time, they do tell a honest story regarding a player.
Nobody can deny Rashford’s ability to affect a game, based on his output. Last season, he averaged a goal contribution every 94 minutes for Barcelona.
Over his Manchester United career, which has seen him make more than 400 appearances, he has averaged a goal or an assist every 132 minutes.
During his short loan stint at Aston Villa, he had 10 goal contributions in 17 games, averaging one every 94 minutes.
Even at the international level, Rashford has proven his value. He averages a goal or an assist for England every 129 minutes.
So, this is a player who has elite output. And he has proven not over a season or two but over the past decade and 564 senior appearances. Chelsea should not think twice about making a move for Rashford, especially considering their lack of quality on the left flank.
