Theo Walcott says attacker linked with Arsenal has been truly ‘outstanding’ recently

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Theo Walcott has heaped praise on a player who has been linked with Arsenal this summer.

The former Arsenal man’s verdict will add further fuel to what is already one of the window’s most intriguing transfer stories.

Walcott says he has been watching a lot of Barcelona this season, and has been impressed with the performances of Marcus Rashford.

The Manchester United forward’s name has been floated as a potential solution to Arsenal’s left side of attack — an area of priority for Andrea Berta this summer.

👀 Name a better left wing signing for Arsenal than Marcus Rashford…

The England international has been linked with a move to the Emirates!

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Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, Walcott was full of praise for Rashford when discussing England’s wide options at the World Cup.

“I think I look at Rashford this year. I think he’s been outstanding,” Walcott said.

“I’ve watched quite a lot of Barcelona. I kind of found the love of watching Barcelona again like we did back in the day when Ronaldinho and those guys — because my boy loves Lamine Yamal — but really took more of an interest with Rashford going out there.

“It’s been really good for him. I think he’s a dead cert to start for me. I just think the way he’s played he’s playing that freedom that enjoyment that smile. We want to see that smile.”

Marcus Rashford remains an interesting but complicated option for Arsenal

Walcott’s enthusiasm is understandable. The Rashford who played for Barcelona this season looks like a new player.

The 28-year-old has contributed 14 goals and 14 assists in 49 appearances for Barcelona this season, winning La Liga and rediscovering the kind of form that once made him one of the most exciting forwards in England.

Declan Rice has previously spoken glowingly about his qualities, and Arsenal have been considering him as a potential option as they search for left wing reinforcements.

But Arsenal fans will know the concerns — inconsistency, enormous wages, and United’s reluctance to sell to a direct Premier League rival.

That said, Paul Scholes has already said a move to Arsenal would be great for both parties, and Darren Bent thinks Mikel Arteta should be ‘all over’ the £26million attacker.

With the door for Kenan Yildiz seemingly closed, Arsenal may well be tempted to gamble on Rashford’s qualities.