Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Man Utd ready improved Marko Arnautovic bid as new pressure threatens to leave Ten Hag empty handed

Bologna striker Marko Arnautovic

Man Utd have readied an improved bid to sign Bologna forward Marko Arnautovic, though a report has explained why a transfer must happen quickly.

The 33-year-old ex-West Ham attacker has emerged as an unlikely option to bolster Erik ten Hag’s frontline. Arnautovic currently plies his trade for Bologna where he notch3ed 14 goals in 33 league appearances last term.

The 102-times capped Austria international would represent a cost-effective option if signed. Indeed, United’s first bid was worth just £7.6m.

It was rejected by Bologna, though Sky Sports reported United are confident their chase will ultimately bear fruit.

Now, according to Calciomercato journalist, Alessio Lento, Man Utd have readied an upped bid.

Their latest offering will reportedly be worth around £8.4m prior to add-ons and bonuses.

Whether that’s enough to twist Bologna’s arm, only time will tell. However, the Sun previously reported Arnaotuvic was ‘fascinated’ by the prospect of a late-career return to the Premier League.

In that regard, it appears United will have no trouble pushing the deal through on the player’s end.

The onus is therefore on Manchester United to lodge a suitable bid in due time, and according to Lento, the clock is against them.

Lento’s reporting was picked up by Sport Witness who suggested Bologna want a decision made on Arnautovic’s future before the new season starts. While the Premier League has begun, Serie A does not commence until next weekend.

That gives United less than a week to wrap up a move with the inference being Bologna will reject any and all approaches once the season gets underway.

Understandably, they do not want transfer disruption so late into the window and with their Serie A preparations already made.

Arnautovic will bring “chaos and drama”

The Austrian firebrand was known for his hot temper during his time in England with Stoke and West Ham.

When speaking to Sky Sports’ Transfer Talk show, European football expert, Kevin Hatchard, insisted the “chaos and drama” has not left Arnautovic behind in his advanced years.

“I know Erik ten Hag and Steve McClaren know Marko Arnautovic well, but he brings his own chaos and drama as well,” said Hatchard.

Regardless, Arnautovic is Premier League-proven and could be viewed in a similar manner to the signing of Odion Ighalo.

The Nigerian veteran was a surprise loan signing in the 2020 winter window and did make an impact, notching five goals in the cups.

Arnautovic is more versatile than Ighalo, being capable of covering on the wings as well as centrally. While it may not get the juices of many United fans flowing, an Arnautovic arrival could represent sound business as a short-term depth piece for a depleted frontline.