Transfer Centre

Chelsea 'undeterred by Serge Gnabry Arsenal stance'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 12 July 2022

Chelsea reportedly remain keen on signing Bayern Munich winger Serge Gnabry, despite the former Arsenal player being supposedly against a transfer to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea reportedly intend to continue their pursuit of Bayern Munich winger Serge Gnabry.

While the Blues are seemingly on the brink of signing Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling, head coach Thomas Tuchel wants to bring at least one more attacker to Stamford Bridge this summer.

At a time when Raphinha is ready to choose Barcelona over Chelsea, it has allegedly resulted in an interest being shown in Gnabry.

The Germany international has less than 12 months remaining on his Bayern contract and does not appear ready to extend his terms at the Allianz Arena.

A recent report has suggested that the West Londoners are prepared to put forward a proposal for the 26-year-old, who has not played Premier League football since 2015-16.

Serge Gnabry celebrates scoring for Bayern Munich in January 2022 © Reuters

However, it has also been claimed in Germany that Gnabry would not give any consideration to signing for Chelsea due to his previous spell at London neighbours Arsenal.

Nevertheless, PA journalist Nick Purewal says that Chelsea are ready to ignore that alleged stance in a bid to tempt the versatile attacker into a return to England.

Purewal claims that club officials are prepared to test whether Gnabry's former allegiance to the Gunners will prevent him from taking a new challenge in his career.

Gnabry spent a total of five years at the Emirates Stadium, initially spending time in the academy system before being provided with an opportunity in the senior ranks.

Serge Gnabry of West Brom looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Chelsea at the Hawthorns on August 23, 2015 in West Bromwich, United Kingdom.

However, he would make just 18 appearances in the first team, instead being farmed out on loan to West Bromwich Albion where he famously failed to make an impression under then-boss Tony Pulis.

Gnabry has since enjoyed a successful stint at Bayern, contributing 64 goals and 40 assists from his 171 appearances in all competitions.

Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has recently acknowledged that the Bundesliga champions will have to consider selling one of their key men if he does not pen a new deal.

Salihamidzic said: "We really want to keep him. I hope that he chooses Bayern. If a player doesn't want to decide for the club, then we can find a solution that makes everyone happy."

Arsenal have previously been linked with a reunion with their former player, but it was recently claimed that Mikel Arteta was unlikely to make a move before the end of August.