Manchester United make an opening offer worth €8 million for Bologna star Marko Arnautovic as the lack of forwards is made clear.
According to The Athletic, Premier League giants Manchester United have made an opening bid for veteran Bologna star Marko Arnautovic as the summer transfer window enters crunch time.
Manchester United parted ways with Edinson Cavani at the end of the 2021/22 season and are yet to bring in a replacement for the Uruguayan striker. Cristiano Ronaldo is back with the squad but his long-term future is far from certain. Anthony Martial impressed in the pre-season but is out injured. This leaves Erik ten Hag with just Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford to choose from for the upcoming games.
Manchester United’s lack of a striker was laid apparent earlier today in their Premier League opener against Brighton and Hove Albion. Christian Eriksen started in the central role up front as the Red Devils fell to a home defeat. While they crafted several opportunities, the lack of a clinical presence up front was obvious.
Whether it be a long-term or short-term solution, Manchester United need to act, and it would appear that they have identified Arnautovic as the remedy to their problems. The Red Devils have tabled an €8 million bid for the Austrian and are seeking to convince him to return to England. The Premier League is not unfamiliar to the 33-year-old, who served six years at Stoke City and West Ham United.
A clinical finisher who is also solid in the air, Arnautovic has that edge that can make him a valuable addition to ten Hag’s roster. Arnautovic worked with current Manchester United assistant manager Steve McClaren during his time at Twente, and a reunion could be on the cards.
The 33-year-old is open to returning to the Premier League and would welcome a move to Old Trafford, reports Italian publication Il Resto del Carlino. Bologna, however, considers him untransferable and are not keen to entertain any offers. Whether they will yield should the Red Devils up their current offer is debatable.
Manchester United are also keeping close tabs on RB Salzburg star Benjamin Sesko. The Austrian champions are not keen to part ways with the 19-year-old, making Arnautovic a more attainable target for the Red Devils. With the summer transfer window set to shut on 1 September, time is running out fast for Richard Arnold to get the deal over the line.