Manchester United are reportedly preparing a fresh bid worth around €10 million for cultured Bologna striker Marko Arnautovic.
According to Italian journalist Alessio Lento, Manchester United are ready to make an improved bid for Bologna striker Marko Arnautovic after their initial bid in the region of €8-9 million was turned down by the Serie A club. Lento claims Manchester United are ready with a bid worth €10 million plus add-ons to convince the Italian outfit to sell Arnautovic.
Manchester United entered the summer market fully aware that signing a number nine was of utmost priority. Edinson Cavani had departed from Old Trafford, while Cristiano Ronaldo’s future was unclear and Anthony Martial was expected to be shipped off.
But the Red Devils seemed to have slowed down their pursuit of a striker following Martial’s return to form in pre-season matches and the lengthy transfer saga for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
Manchester United have now sprung to life after a demoralising 2-1 opening day defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League and are now looking to buy a midfielder and a striker quickly to address the shortcomings in the squad.
Bologna director Marco di Vaio on Marko Arnautović: “Man United on Arnautović? We’re proud of Man Utd interest for Marko but we are not planning to sell him” ?⚠️ #MUFC
“We want to keep him at Bologna as president said, he’s key part of our project – there’s not even price tag”. pic.twitter.com/935ZcCkGq5
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 8, 2022
Juventus’s Adrien Rabiot and Bologna’s Marko Arnautovic have emerged as the two targets Manchester United are pursuing to solve their attacking and midfield woes. They have reportedly agreed on a fee with Juventus for Rabiot’s move and are now discussing personal terms with the player’s entourage.
Getting Arnautovic, on the other hand, is proving to be a slightly difficult task. Bologna are reluctant to sell and were quick to turn down Manchester United’s opening bid for the cultured Austrian attacker. However, Manchester United seem confident of signing the former West Ham United and Stoke City striker and are now ready with a fresh bid worth €10 million plus add-ons.
The Serie A is set to begin this weekend, and both parties are eager to close down negotiations before the Italian league season kicks off. Arnautovic, 33, currently has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club, for whom he has scored 15 goals in 35 appearances.
