Bologna striker Marko Arnautovic’s brother has dropped a hint about Manchester United’s possible interest in the Austrian attacker.
Manchester United are seemingly in damage-control mode now after missing out on their top transfer targets in the ongoing summer transfer window. The Red Devils are now being linked with a surprise move for Austrian striker Marko Arnautovic, formerly of West Ham United and currently plying his trade in the Serie A with Bologna.
Manchester United have been eager to sign an attacker following Edinson Cavani’s departure this summer as a free agent. The uncertainty surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s future has put further pressure on the club to sign a forward before the summer transfer window slams shut.
Anthony Martial was expected to start up front for Erik ten Hag’s side in their opening Premier League match against Brighton & Hove Albion. However, the Frenchman suffered an injury, which forced him out, and ten Hag had to start with Christian Eriksen as the false nine before Ronaldo came on in the second half of the disastrous season opener.
Even though Eriksen looked relatively comfortable in the role, the tweak certainly did not work how the Dutch tactician had wanted as the Red Devils fell to a 2-1 defeat. It also highlighted Manchester United’s pressing need to sign a new forward, and surprisingly Arnautovic’s name has popped up.
Danijel, brother of Marko Arnautović on Manchester United bid: “It's true that there’s a bid from a well-known club…”, told @heidenreich84. ??? #MUFC
“I’m in contact with Bologna to see if that can be realised”, he added.
Opening bid around €9/10m has been turned down. pic.twitter.com/EaUMY2Jul9
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 7, 2022
The Red Devils reportedly made an official approach to Bologna and even submitted a bid of around €9 million for the Austrian striker. The Serie A side, however, rejected the bid and Arnautovic’s brother, Danijel, who is also his adviser confirmed that a ‘well-known’ club have made an offer.
“It’s true that there is an offer from a well-known club. I’m in contact with Bologna to see if that can be realized,” he told KURIER.
The Arnautovic links have not gone down well with the Manchester United fans as it feels like a panic buy, similar to Odion Ighalo’s signing in the 2020 January transfer window. The 33-year-old has decent Premier League experience, having played for Stoke City and West Ham United in the competition. In 184 English top-flight matches, Arnautovic has scored 43 goals and provided 37 assists.
