Manchester United are reportedly interested in former West Ham and Stoke City striker Marko Arnautovic. This has been largely confirmed by the Austrian’s brother, who revealed that an opening bid had been made to Bologna.
After the Red Devils’ embarrassing performance against Brighton and Hove Albion in their Premier League season opener on Sunday, the focal point of their attack appears to be one of the many areas that need strengthening, and Arnautovic would provide solid depth and a plan-b for Erik ten Hag. That said, this move still comes as something of a shock, with the 33-year-old not being exactly the calibre of player United would be expected to chase, and with this bearing resemblance to the Odion Ighalo deal of 2020.
Marko Arnautovic the Subject of Manchester United Bid
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
Will Marko Arnautovic Join Manchester United?
United have a clear interest in Arnautovic, having already made an £8.5 million bid to Bologna, although offer has been rejected and it remains to be seen whether the Manchester side will return with a second attempt to bring the experienced striker to Old Trafford.
Since the Red Devils’ interest was reported on Sunday morning, many have brought up racist incidents involving the Austrian international, and for this reason, some believe that United may abandon the proposed transfer.
Regardless of whether Arnautovic is the man they sign, Ten Hag’s side desperately need to bring in a new striker.
Cristiano Ronaldo is intent on leaving the Theatre of Dreams this summer, and Sunday’s defeat at the hands of Brighton will only heighten this desire. Meanwhile, Antony Martial, the only other natural centre-forward in United’s senior squad, has encountered an injury issue at the beginning of the campaign, and this could be a show of what is to come for him over the next 10-or-so months. He has also not displayed a hot spell of form since the end of the 2019/20 season, and it is unknown whether he will succeed under Ten Hag even though his preseason performances were promising.
Read More: Every Premier League Transfer Completed in Summer 2022
