Why Real Madrid, Arsenal and Man City dealt blow in Serge Gnabry chase
Bayern Munich winger Serge Gnabry has emerged in recent weeks as a serious candidate for a transfer to Real Madrid, Arsenal or Manchester City – but the hopes of these clubs in landing the Germany winger could be about to be dashed.
The 26-year-old is out of contract with Bayern next summer and has gone public with his frustration over the club’s negotiating methods.
While the Bundesliga champions have made it clear that they will adopt a soft approach with Robert Lewandowski as he attempts to engineer a move to Barcelona, the same cannot be said of Gnabry, who has been threatened with a season in the stands.
However, it appears a resolution to the situation could be close.
Gnabry to open contract talks
Sport Bild reports that Bayern have arranged new talks with Gnabry’s agents over a new contract. They are eager to keep the player from moving to Real Madrid or Manchester City, who are among their fiercest rivals for the Champions League. Arsenal’s interest, meanwhile, is not at such an advanced stage for a player who was on their books as a youngster.
Gnabry enjoyed a superb season with FCB last term, establishing himself as a key player in the squad. He played 45 matches in total, scoring 14 goals and creating six more. It was his fifth season at the club, having arrived from Werder Bremen in 2017 for a fee of just €8 million, though he had spent his first campaign on loan at Hoffenheim.
Bayern can scarcely afford to allow such a player to depart. He is approaching the prime of his career at a point at which their other vital forward players, namely Lewandowski and Thomas Muller, are well into their 30s.
With Real Madrid, Arsenal and Man City all interested in a transfer, Gnabry’s bargaining position over a new deal is a strong one, however.