Why Man Utd face a battle to sign Arnautovic
Karan Tejwani
- 9 Aug 2022 08:24 BST
- 3 min read
Manchester United have shown interest in signing Marko Arnautovic from Serie A side Bologna, but will have difficulties as they try to get their man.
The Red Devils started the season off with a 2-1 home loss to Brighton, and it’s clear that they need attacking reinforcements if they are to challenge this season.
As a result, they’ve targeted the Austrian player as a way to bolster their attacking line, and have seen their first bid for the player rejected.
Despite United’s big interest, Bologna are adamant on keeping the forward and are reportedly unkeen on selling, no matter the offers they receive.
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Bologna adamant on keeping Arnautovic
Speaking to Italian media, Bologna Sporting Director Marco Di Vaio confirmed the club want to keep the player: “It’s not easy to play in the transfer window, there’s a lot of talk, we want to keep Marko. Giovanni Sartori [Technical Director], the president and Claudio Fenucci [Chairman] said as much. He’s at the centre of our project.
“The interest in him makes us proud, especially because he was an idea by Sabatini and carried forward by the club to realize a dream, which was to bring him here after two or three years in China.
“It was a bet that we won, he responded on the pitch and we want to move forward with him. We don’t want to sell him, but to strengthen the team to have an important season.”
Man Utd sign a 34 year old Ibrahimovic.
Man Utd sign a 31 year old Ighalo.
Man Utd sign a 34 year old Cavani.
Man Utd sign a 35 year old Ronaldo.
Man Utd on the verge of signing a 33 year old Arnautovic.
Really don’t like this approach.— 𝗧𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝗮𝗴’𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘀 ✍🏼🇳🇱 (@TenHagBalI) August 7, 2022
Di Vaio later added that they’re focused on their project as they are looking to improve as a Serie A top club, which is why they aren’t interested in the money they receive.
“It’s not a question of money, he’s priceless for what he represents for us. We want to move forward with him because we believe he can do better and help us grow.
“He is always the first in training to spur the others on, he has no price tag.”
This follows the line from Bologna head coach Sinisa Mihajlovic, who also made it clear that Arnautovic won’t be sold this summer, as they wish to build the team around him.
“I would be happy for Marko but I don’t think he will leave. I spoke to Arnautovic about the Manchester United proposal – in case he leaves, we will see, but I think he will stay”.
Manchester United have about three weeks to find another forward and improve their team, as the transfer window comes close to completion.
