Manchester United Targeting Serge Gnabry to Replace Cristiano Ronaldo

According to latest reports, Manchester United have entered the race to sign Bayern Munich forward Serge Gnabry in this summer transfer window. The German winger has emerged as a shock target for the Red Devils to replace wantaway star Cristiano Ronaldo.

United are seeking a centre-forward to replace Cristiano Ronaldo who has expressed his desire to leave Old Trafford this summer. After missing out on Champions League qualification for the upcoming season, it is evident that the Portuguese star doesn’t fancy playing in the second-tier European competition and has thus informed the club of his wish to leave.

It is also understood that Erik ten Hag is keen on bolstering the front-line, particularly after Ronaldo requested on letting him see the exit doors of Old Trafford if the right offer is made. The Red Devils are very keen on keeping their star forward by all means, but if the 37-year-old truly wants to leave, then they will eventually be looking for a potential attacking replacement before the start of the 2022-23 campaign.

According to The Sun, Manchester United have identified Bayern Munich’s Serge Gnabry as a potential option to replace Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford. The Red Devils have been keeping tabs on the 26-year-old winger since the beginning of the year amongst possible attacking targets, but now has turned up as a direct replacement.

Serge Gnabry has only a year left on his current contract at the Allianz Arena. So far, both parties have failed to reach an agreement over a new deal, with the player refusing to sign a new contract. Last month, he turned down a £200,000-a-week contract extension offer made by the Bavarians.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic (via The Mirror) spoke about the Gnabry situation:

“We really want to keep him. We would love to extend with him. I hope that he chooses FC Bayern.”

“But if a player doesn’t want to decide for the club, then it’s only fair to tell us so that we can find a solution that makes everyone happy.”

As things stand, it appears that the Bundesliga giants are willing to sell their 26-year-old asset this summer. Bayern are ready to cash in and have set an asking fee of around £35 million for the winger. The report also mentions the interest of Manchester City in signing Gnabry as boss Pep Guardiola is looking to bring in a replacement for Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling.

Serge Gnabry moved to the Allianz Arena in 2017 from Werder Bremen. The 26-year-old has made 45 appearances last season for Munich, scoring 17 goals and registering 10 assists (stats via Transfermarkt) across all competitions. He was also part of the Bayern team that sealed the continental treble in 2020, including the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and the UEFA Champions League.

After Robert Lewandowski, who has expressed his desire to move on and look for a new challenge, Serge Gnabry could potentially be the next to quit the German club. Bayern have found Lewandowski’s replacement by signing Liverpool star Sadio Mane, and are also linked with a move for Cristiano Ronaldo. Interesting times are ahead and one just has to wait and see how the summer unfolds for the big names in football.

Follow AD for the Latest Transfer Updates for Manchester United.