Manchester United will not pursue a move for Bologna striker Marko Arnautovic anymore.
Last week, Sky Sports News reported that United’s £7.6 million offer for the former West Ham and Stoke City forward was turned down.
United has chosen to move on to other targets instead of returning with an improved offer.
The forward’s asking price from Bologna was reportedly higher than what United were willing to offer.
Arnautovic’s “priceless” status, according to Bologna sporting director Marco Di Vaio, appeared to put an end to United’s efforts to buy him.
What Were The Words Of Bologna’s Sporting Director?
Bologna rejected United’s offer of about £7.6 million for the 33-year-old, and Man United were expected to come back with a better offer.
“We want to keep going with Arnautovic and keep him, he’s at the centre of our project,” Di Vaio said to Italia 1.
“Bologna’s wish now is to keep our current team and strengthen it in order to have an important season. Money is not the issue, Marko is priceless for us.”
How Close Is Rabiot To Man United?
In the meantime, United and Adrien Rabiot of Juventus have reached an agreement.
Personal details still need to be worked out with his agent and mother Veronique, so there is work to be done before the contract is finalized.
Rabiot, who signed a free-agent contract with Juventus in the summer of 2019, is in the final year of his deal and has lost favor with the Italian powerhouse.
Rabiot’s contract with Juventus expires in 2023, therefore the club is willing to let him leave this summer.
Since it has been difficult to complete the transfer for Frenkie de Jong of Barcelona, United have continued to explore all midfield possibilities.
They haven’t given up on De Jong, and there is still hope that a deal can be reached.
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Although there have been offers, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has stated that De Jong wants to stay and that the club wants him to.
However, the club’s economy is still experiencing difficulties, and De Jong’s deferred salaries are still a concern.
For the entirety of the summer, United has prioritized central midfield, and the possibility of bringing in both Rabiot and De Jong has not been ruled out.
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