Arsenal are weighing up a plan to bring in Marcus Rashford as a direct replacement for Gabriel Martinelli, according to a report by the UK Telegraph.

Martinelli is on the verge of departing the Emirates in a deal worth more than £50million, which would represent a club-record sale for the Gunners.

The Brazilian winger has reportedly given his approval for a switch to Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal, having earlier turned down the chance to join Turkish side Galatasaray.

According to the report, there is a degree of surprise within Arsenal’s camp that Martinelli was permitted to leave without the club first lining up a replacement for his position on the flank.

With that gap now needing to be filled, the Premier League champions are turning their attention to Manchester United forward Rashford, who they hope to land on a loan arrangement.

Rashford has spent recent seasons away from Old Trafford, having gone out on loan spells to both Aston Villa and Barcelona over the past two campaigns as he searched for regular game time away from United.

Should the move materialise, it would mark another twist in Rashford’s career, offering him a chance to prove himself at a top-four English club while Arsenal look to fill the void left by Martinelli’s departure with fresh attacking options ahead of the new season.

Arsenal are yet to make an official statement on the reported interest, and the situation remains fluid as both clubs assess their options in the coming days.