Bologna director Marco di Vaio has stated that the club has no intention of selling forward Marko Arnautovic this summer, despite Manchester United’s rumoured interest.
The 33-year-old has been heavily connected with the Red Devils in recent days as Erik ten Hag seeks to address his lack of attacking alternatives. Anthony Martial suffered an injury that will keep him out for the start of the season, while Cristiano Ronaldo continues to press for a transfer away from the club.
Arnautovic, who has previously played in the Premier League for Stoke City and West Ham, may provide vital squad depth for Manchester United if made available for transfer.
What Is Bologna’s Position On Arnautovic?
In response to rumours about Bologna’s top striker from last season, sporting director Di Vaio made his club’s position quite plain.
“It’s not a question of money,” he told Mediaset. “Marko is priceless for us for what he represents from a technical point of view, for what he represents for our club, we want to move forward with him, he can do better than last year and help us grow.
“There is a lot of talk about our players and we reiterate that we are convinced to go on with him, to keep him, because he is at the center of our project. The fact that a club like Manchester United comes looking for our player makes us proud.
“Arnautovic is a winning bet, we all made great efforts to bring him here and he responded on the pitch, we want to go forward with him, our will is not to sell but to strengthen and complete the team to make an important season.”
Bologna director Marco di Vaio on Marko Arnautović: “Man United on Arnautović? We’re proud of Man Utd interest for Marko but we are not planning to sell him” 🔴⚠️ #MUFC
“We want to keep him at Bologna as president said, he’s key part of our project – there’s not even price tag”. pic.twitter.com/935ZcCkGq5
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 8, 2022
Related: Manchester United Want Marko Arnautovic Deal To Boost Attack
What Does This Mean For Manchester United?
Manchester United may be left incredibly weak in the striker department, with Edinson Cavani and maybe Cristiano leaving in the same summer, and their temporary chase of Darwin Nunez dropped, with the Uruguayan player instead joining rivals Liverpool.
Martial impressed during preseason but has struggled with fitness since returning from a loan spell with Sevilla. Marcus Rashford, while not strictly a striker, has been below par for much of the time since Euro 2020, and Bruno Fernandes is favoured as a midfielder than a false-nine.
The Red Devils are keen to rectify their shortage at the start of the season and will strive to clinch a deal of some kind by the end of August.
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