Manchester United are reportedly planning a new bid for Marko Arnautovic after falling short in their first attempt to bring Bologna back to the Premier League.
Arnautovic emerged as a target for Manchester United this week as they look for a new centre-forward. With Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench for their first defeat against Brighton, Christian Eriksen was initially used in a false nine role.
Clearly, there could be a better fit for Manchester United. But they may have to go into the transfer market to get someone with the right attributes.
With that in mind, they were recently linked with Arnautovic as a low-cost option. Before Stoke City and West Ham United, he now plies his trade at Bologna at the age of 33.
Although it wouldn’t be a long-term solution, Man Utd believe it would be worth working on. He already knows Erik ten Hag and assistant Steve McClaren from a spell at FC Twente earlier in his career when the latter was in charge.
They would therefore welcome a meeting, which would see Arnautovic return to the Premier League. But according to the Daily Telegraph, United have failed with their first bid.
They submitted an offer of 8.5 million euros, which is equivalent to around 7.2 million pounds. For Bologna, which has Arnautovic under contract until 2024 with an option for another year, it was not enough.
However, the Telegraph suggest that Man Utd are ready to make a bigger bid for the striker.
In addition, Arnautovic is “very keen” to make the move and could hand in a transfer request to pressure Bologna into selling him. Perhaps it’s understandable, given the size difference between the two clubs.
Arnautovic easier to acquire than Sesko
The report concludes that Man Utd may find it easier to sign Arnautovic than another target, Benjamin Sesko.
Although the latter is younger, it also comes with a higher selling price. But there is a difference between how Man Utd value him compared to his current employers, RB Salzburg.
Furthermore, there may be some doubts about Sesko’s suitability for an immediate first-team impact.
Instead, the theory is that Arnautovic could give them a short-term boost up front. His ability to play wide when needed also appeals.
After marking his return to European football after a season in China with 14 Serie A goals last season, Arnautovic remains a capable marksman. In fact, it was the most prolific season of his career.
Austrian a surprise successor to Cavani
Given his age, there might be some raised eyebrows. But Man Utd have a void to fill in the middle of their attack.
Of course, some may argue why they didn’t make a bigger effort to keep Edinson Cavani. They would simply trade one veteran forward for another. And not many would suggest that Arnautovic has had the best career; indeed, Cavani’s overall legacy will be greater.
But that doesn’t mean Arnautovic can’t have a specific impact at United, who may have been fighting a losing battle to keep Cavani happy anyway.
Instead, the Austrian may be more recognized for the rotation role, due to the move to the club he would make. He also has a prior knowledge of the Premier League, which Cavani never had when he arrived in Manchester in 2020.
It would certainly be an interesting succession plan. Maybe you could consider it outside the box in this case, but anyway Ten Hag has been turning to players it knows.
Importantly, Man Utd will have to set a cap on how much they think Arnautovic is worth. But with the player ready to push, a positive result could still come.
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