As Arsenal finally prepare to unveil two new signings today, the next 24 hours could yet be even busier for unexpected reasons.
The departures list at the Emirates appears to be growing by the hour – Calum Chambers will join Middlesbrough on loan today, Jack Wilshere has been told he can leave on similar terms, and now Sky Sports Germany are reporting that Bayern Munich are closing in on the signature of Serge Gnabry.
Nach unseren Infos steht Serge Gnabry (21) vor einem Wechsel von Arsenal zu Bayern München. #skyTransfer #ssnhd pic.twitter.com/OKHG0kZ6V7
— Sky Sport News HD (@SkySportNewsHD) August 30, 2016
The 21-year-old recently starred for the Germany under-23 side at the Olympic Games in Brazil, scoring six goals as the side won a silver medal.
6 – 6 goals in 6 matches in #Rio2016 for @SergeGnabry – soon featuring in the Bundesliga? Transfer. pic.twitter.com/rQev12S8bJ
— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) August 30, 2016
As highly-rated as Gnabry is around the Emirates, his first-team involvement thus far for Arsenal has been minimal. He made nine Premier League appearances during the 2013/14 season but missed a large part of the following season through injury, and a loan move to West Bromwich Albion last year proved to be an unmitigated disaster.
Bayern’s plan, if they do sign Gnabry, is to loan him out to Werder Bremen for the season, a practice they employ with many of their younger signings.
The midfielder is currently in the final year of his Arsenal contract and although Arsene Wenger appeared to rule out selling Gnabry as recently as two weeks ago, arguing how important it was that the youngster stayed with the club, the report from Germany would suggest that the manager has changed his stance on the issue.
Competition for places at the club is such that Wenger may feel that he is doing Gnabry a disservice by keeping him at the Emirates, though the decision to let him go permanently is still an odd one.
This is reflected in the mood of the Arsenal fan base, many of whom are confused that Gnabry is being allowed to leave – particularly after having such a strong tournament in Brazil:
Serge Gnabry is also a talented player, no need to sell him
— Hashad (@SimplyWilshere) August 30, 2016
Will be really disappionted if @SergeGnabry leaves arsenal on a permanent or loan. Always rated him
— Madness incoming? (@AbassAdisa) August 30, 2016
Keep @SergeGnabry at all costs @arsenal he will turn into a world beater soon! Don’t let him go!!
— Cannon Calls! (@cannoncalls) August 30, 2016
The move could be confirmed as soon as today, though it may spill over into tomorrow.
Read More About: Arsenal, Bayern Munich, calum chambers, Germany, jack wilshere, Premier League, Serge Gnabry, transfer news, werder bremen
