Arsenal heads in hands with Man Utd, Man City ready to capitalise on new Serge Gnabry transfer stance

Arsenal could face a second disappointment in their hunt for a new winger after a report revealed Man Utd and Man City are sizing up Serge Gnabry.

The Gunners had tabled bids to sign Leeds Utd ace, Raphinha. However, their insistence on bidding low and gradually working their way up towards Leeds £60m-£65m valuation looks to have backfired.

Indeed, Chelsea have struck an agreement with Leeds, though the Blues are facing up to the difficult task of convincing Raphinha to join them rather than Barcelona. The tale of South American players favouring the Spanish giants is a familiar one.

Regardless, Raphinha appears unlikely to wind up at the Emirates when the fog clears. As such, former Arsenal winger, Serge Gnabry, re-emerged as a viable transfer candidate.

The 26-year-old is poised to enter the final year of his deal at Bayern Munich. Sadio Mane’s arrival has provided fresh competition in the final third, something that could have a knock-on effect for Gnabry.

The Sun state the Germany international has rejected a new contract offer worth £200,000-a-week. Bayern have always insisted they are reluctant to sell and their priority remains pinning him down to fresh terms.

However, it’s now claimed their stance has softened and they’re now ‘open to a sale’ if an agreement isn’t forthcoming. The report adds they’ll seek £35m if resigned to cashing in on the winger. The Star puts the figure at £40m.

Heavy hitters cloud Arsenal pursuit

That’s alerted the Manchester sides, with both United and City now in the mix, per the Sun.

United may yet lose Cristiano Ronaldo as he goes in search of Champions League football. Erik ten Hag’s primary target if he does leave is detailed here, though he he’ll cost nearly twice as much as Gnabry who can operate centrally if required.

City, meanwhile, could be about to lose Raheem Sterling to Chelsea. The Sun state Gnabry will be top of Pep Guardiola’s shortlist if Sterling does depart.

Gnabry deal a no-brainer

£35m-£40m would represent a fraction of Gnabry’s true cost were it not reduced by his contract status.

His ability to play on either flank as well as centrally is also incredibly desirable. Given Ten Hag is reportedly targeting a winger if Ronaldo does depart, it would suggest the Dutchman is seeking a more mobile and fluid front line at Old Trafford.

Arsenal will have to pay for Serge Gnabry as Bayern winger wants to leave

Arsenal want Serge Gnabry on a free next year but he wants a move away from Bayern Munich this summer meaning Arsenal will have to pay

Gnabry would bring with him a wealth of experience fighting for – and winning – top honours. That is something that may be of great benefit at Arsenal or United who have been relegated from bride to bridesmaids in recent times.

Given Gnabry has reportedly rejected a Bayern offer of £200,000-a-week, it stands to reason a suitor would have to at least match that figure.

However, there is little in Gnabry’s game to suggest he wouldn’t be worth every penny.