Arsenal’s interest in Bayern Munich winger Serge Gnabry has been made ‘more intriguing’ by the player’s contract situation, according to journalist Dean Jones.
The 26-year-old only has 12 months left to run on his existing deal and has so far refused to commit his future to the Bavarians, opening up the possibility of an imminent exit.
What is the latest news involving Gnabry?
Bayern’s sporting director Hasan Salihamidžić has insisted that Bayern want to keep hold of Gnabry and that the decision over his future is now in his hands.
“We really want to keep him. We would love to extend with him. I think we showed him the necessary appreciation,” said Salihamidžić. “I hope that he chooses FC Bayern.”
However, the indecision is understandably attracting a lot of speculation, and chief Bild reporter Christian Falk has claimed Arsenal are interested in re-signing their former star.
It’s believed that their absence from the Champions League could be a major stumbling block, though, and they may also face stiff competition for his signature.
Spanish outlet Sport have revealed that Liverpool view Gnabry as the ideal heir to Sadio Mane, who ironically joined Bayern earlier this summer, and someone who is also capable of filling the void Divock Origi has left behind.
What has Jones said about Gnabry?
Arsenal look set to miss out on Leeds United attacker Raphinha to Chelsea, and Jones believes it will be interesting to see if the Gunners can ‘make inroads’ into a move for Gnabry.
Darwin Nunez to Liverpool! Done Deal! Hear more on The Football Terrace...
In an interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “There has been some talk of Gnabry to Arsenal, and his contract situation has meant that’s more intriguing.
“I’m not sure it’s the level of club he would have in mind but let’s see if they can make inroads as a back-up plan.”
Would Gnabry be a good signing?
Gnabry, who is valued at £58.5m by Transfermarkt, has become one of Europe’s deadliest forwards over the last few years, racking up 64 goals and 40 assists in 171 appearances for Bayern.
The German international has claimed four Bundesliga titles, one Champions League crown, and two DFB-Pokal’s during his time at the Allianz Arena, and his influence on the pitch is almost always felt.
As per FBref, Gnabry has ranked in the 97th percentile for non-penalty goals, 95th for touches in the attacking penalty area, 94th for progressive carries, 91st for completed dribbles, and progressive passes, and 90th for expected assists amongst his positional peers over the last year.
Enticing Gnabry into making an Arsenal return may be a tough task for Mikel Arteta, but it’s an option the young tactician will surely explore.