Arsenal are reportedly closely monitoring Marcus Rashford's contract situation at Manchester United, with the Gunners exploring the possibility of signing the attacker next year.

The 24-year-old's struggles during the 2021-22 campaign led to suggestions that he could leave Old Trafford over the summer, but he has been an important player this season under new Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag.

Rashford has scored three times and registered two assists in seven Premier League appearances, but his current deal in Manchester is due to expire at the end of June.

Man United have the option to activate a 12-month extension, while it has been claimed that the club are keen to open talks over a new long-term deal at Old Trafford.

However, according to Football Insider, Arsenal are monitoring the situation, with the Gunners open to bringing the England international to the Emirates Stadium in 2023.

Rashford starred against Mikel Arteta's side in the Premier League at the start of last month, scoring twice and providing an assist in his team's 3-1 win at Old Trafford.

However, the forward found it difficult against Manchester City in the Manchester derby on Sunday and was replaced in the 59th minute of the contest by Anthony Martial.

Paris Saint-Germain were strongly linked with Rashford in the latter stages of the summer transfer window, but Man United closed the door on any potential exit before the deadline.

Rashford has now represented the Red Devils on 310 occasions in all competitions, contributing 96 goals and 60 assists in the process.

A recent report claimed that the 20-time English champions wanted to open talks over a new five-year contract at Old Trafford for the club's academy product.

Speaking last month, Man United boss Ten Hag said that Rashford's state of mind had contributed to him making a positive start to the 2022-23 campaign.

"It's difficult for me to talk about the past, but I see a happy Marcus Rashford. I see some phases in his game which we could improve. We've worked really hard in the last two months with him on different aspects. He likes it and wants to transfer it to the pitch, and that is what we see in this moment," the Dutchman told reporters.

"It started with happiness, he's coming in every day, he's smiling with a really positive vibe. If you put all those things together you contribute more to the team performance, the result, and also your development."

Rashford has made the trip to Cyprus for Thursday's Europa League contest with Omonia and is again in contention to start against Everton in the Premier League on Sunday night.

However, the forward faces an uphill battle to make the England squad for the 2022 World Cup, with a number of players currently ahead of him in the mind of Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate. body check tags ::