Chelsea have been backed to make a surprise move for Marcus Rashford, with former Blues defender William Gallas claiming the Manchester United forward could fit well under Xabi Alonso.

Rashford’s future remains uncertain after Barcelona decided not to activate their option to sign him permanently.

The England international spent last season on loan at the Nou Camp and produced a strong campaign under Hansi Flick, scoring 14 goals in all competitions.

However, the Catalan club had the chance to make the deal permanent for around £26m and chose not to proceed.

According to Barca Blaugranes, Man United are also not planning to negotiate another loan with Barcelona, which means Rashford’s next step is now wide open.

Gallas sees Chelsea signing Rashford

Gallas believes Chelsea could be a better Premier League landing spot if Rashford leaves Old Trafford.

In comments relayed by Metro, he said:

‘I think Marcus Rashford did well at Barcelona.

‘They had a good system. I’m surprised he didn’t sign for them permanently, I don’t know what happened.

‘I would say Chelsea would be a better fit given how they play. I’m sure he wanted to stay in Barcelona, but it didn’t happen.

‘If he has to come back to the Premier League, or maybe go somewhere else like Italy, we will see. But I could picture him at Chelsea.’

That view is interesting because Chelsea are building a faster, more direct attacking unit under Alonso.

Rashford’s pace, ability to attack space and experience at elite level would give the Blues a different kind of threat from the left.

A risky but tempting option

The biggest talking point is the reported release clause.

Rashford has a £40m clause in his United contract, though some Premier League rivals are blocked from using it.

For Chelsea, this would still be a bold move. Rashford’s talent is obvious, but signing from United always carries pressure.

His World Cup form could also influence the market, with talkSPORT reporting that he impressed for England against Croatia.

Chelsea have not made a formal move. But if Barcelona stay away and United want clarity, Rashford could become one of the summer’s most unexpected transfer stories.

Alonso could give Chelsea edge over Arsenal & Man United in €50m transfer race