Arsenal could yet be involved in an unexpected move in the final stretch of the summer window, with Marcus Rashford continuing to be linked with the Gunners.

The Manchester United forward has endured an uneven few years, with a drop in form at Old Trafford leading to loan spells first at Aston Villa and then at Barcelona.

Rashford is now back at Manchester United and featured in their opening-day Premier League defeat to Hull City, though it is still unclear whether he will remain there for long.

A report from the Independent has suggested that Rashford could appeal to Arsenal as a loan option as they look for a replacement for the departing Gabriel Martinelli.

Now, Ladbrokes have indicated that there has been a notable movement in the odds on Rashford joining Arsenal.

Rashford had been available at 7/1 to sign for Arsenal for much of the summer, but those odds have now been cut to 4/1.

Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “Rashford’s future remains up in the air, but an Emirates move could well be on the cards in the next couple of days, if the latest odds are anything to go by.”

Rashford impressed during his loan spell at Barcelona last season, so there may be logic in Arsenal taking a chance on him, particularly when there do not appear to be many especially attractive alternatives on the market.

United are also likely to be open to moving on the England international, even if allowing him to join a direct rival would carry a certain amount of risk.

Rashford has not consistently produced his best form for some time, but there were still signs at Barcelona last season of the level he can reach.

At Arsenal, the 28-year-old would likely fill a similar role as a squad and rotation option, and that could suit both the player and the club.

The available data is said to indicate that Rashford would represent a clear upgrade on Martinelli, although many Arsenal supporters would probably still hope for an even bigger improvement than that.

Rashford is also capable of playing through the middle, which could be valuable for Mikel Arteta’s side after unconvincing displays from Viktor Gyokeres and with Kai Havertz often struggling to stay fit over a sustained period.

It will be interesting to see how matters unfold in the closing days of the transfer window, but for the moment Fabrizio Romano has downplayed suggestions that Rashford is set to leave.

The Italian journalist has ruled out a move for Rashford to a Turkish club and has broadly indicated that the player is likely to stay at Old Trafford.

“Marcus Rashford stance has not changed despite reports: he’s not going to join Turkish clubs this summer. Full focus on Manchester United + no chance for Fenerbahçe move,” Romano said.