Arsenal transfer reject could now play a pivotal role in the Premier League title race

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The Premier League title race between Arsenal and Liverpool could be about to hot up.

The Merseysiders appeared to have strolled into an unassailable lead at the summit of the English top flight, but the Gunners have clawed the deficit back to just seven points with 13 games to go.

While Mikel Arteta’s team still have a mountain to climb, Arsenal have easier fixtures left to play and may have felt a slight momentum shift after two below-par performances from their rivals.

Liverpool dropped two points at Everton in the last minute at Goodison Park, before scraping past relegation-threatened Wolves on Sunday.

The north-west outfit now have three difficult matches to play within the next seven days, which could ultimately shape the outcome of the race for the prestigious silverware.

• READ MORE: Arsenal learn extended Liverpool injury blow ahead of crucial meeting with Unai Emery

Marcus Rashford could hinder Liverpool and boost Arsenal in Premier League title race

Liverpool travel to the West Midlands to take on Aston Villa at Villa Park on Wednesday evening, in a huge encounter that has been moved forward due to the Reds’ involvement in the Carabao Cup final.

This kickstarts a run of three tough games for Arne Slot’s side, that sees them visit the Etihad and play host to Newcastle next week.

One man that could play a pivotal role in the clash on Wednesday is Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford.

The wide forward joined Villa temporarily in January after falling out of favour under Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford, and has already made two substitute appearances for the Villans.

Looking bright in his cameo against Ipswich Town over the weekend, Rashford could now be in line for a start as a reward for this display.

Unai Emery generally veers away from using two traditional wingers, but may be tempted to deploy Rashford and one of Donyell Malen or Leon Bailey to exploit the space Liverpool occasionally leave in transition.

Rashford’s electric pace and direct running could be a real threat, particularly if he’s up against the defensively vulnerable Trent Alexander-Arnold.

However, Slot is more than aware of the danger the England international can cause, waxing lyrical about the player when asked about him in his press conference.

“I was really impressed by how fast he is, he has a nice height,” the Dutch manager said.

“I will be completely surprised if a player of that quality will not show this in the upcoming months. He’s a very good player.”

If Rashford is at his best, he could hurt Liverpool and subsequently make a huge difference in determining where the Premier League title ends up.

Arsenal turned down Marcus Rashford transfer in January

Rashford could’ve been making a significantly more direct impact on the title race, had things played out differently in January.

Arsenal reportedly made contact with Rashford over a potential deal for the player in the winter transfer window.

However, the Gunners ultimately opted not to pursue the 27-year-old due to concerns over his wages and over his ability to rediscover his best form.

He ended up at Villa, where he can still help Arsenal achieve their goals for the season.

Arteta is light on attacking options due to injuries to Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus, and may now be regretting not looking at Rashford more seriously.