EXPLAINED: Why Cristiano Ronaldo's Manchester United pulled out of controversial move for Marko Arnautovic

Cristiano Ronaldo's Manchester United have reportedly pulled out of a controversial move for Marko Arnautovic. Though the Red Devils have decided not to pursue the Bologna striker, Manchester United are on verge of signing midfielder Adrien Rabiot from Juventus.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Manchester United have reportedly pulled out of a controversial move for Marko Arnautovic

Cristiano Ronaldo's Manchester United have reportedly pulled out of a controversial move for Marko Arnautovic

Photo : AP
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
  • According to multiple reports, Manchester United have pulled out of the controversial move for Marko Arnautovic.
  • Manchester United are on verge of signing midfielder Adrien Rabiot from Juventus.
  • Arnautovic has played for West Ham and Stoke City in the Premier League.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Manchester United have reportedly opted against signing Bologna striker Marko Arnautovic amid the ongoing summer transfer on Tuesday. Newly appointed manager Erik ten Hag was hoping to sign the Bologna striker in a value-for-money deal. The Red Devils, who failed to secure their berth in the UEFA Champions League last season, were hoping to land the Austria international after losing potential targets Darwin Nunez, Antony and Benjamin Sesko earlier in the summer transfer window.
However, Arnautovic will not be joining Manchester United at least for this summer as the English Premier League (EPL) club is expected to move on to other shortlisted players. At a time when Man United superstar Ronaldo is eyeing a move away from Old Trafford, manager Ten Hag is looking out for quality options to bolster the squad of the Red Devils. Manchester United are on verge of signing midfielder Adrien Rabiot from Juventus.
Arnautovic is not a fan favourite
Arnautovic has played for West Ham and Stoke City in the English top flight. According to a report filed by Goal.com, Arnautovic is not a fan favourite when it comes to joining Manchester United. Interestingly, fans have expressed their anger ever since Man United were linked with Arnautovic. The former West Ham star was infamously banned for one game for insulting a player during the UEFA Euro 2020.
Bologna rejected Man United's bid
The report added that club chief executive Richard Arnold was bombarded with complaints from the fans about the Arnautovic transfer deal. As per the report, Arnold's email address was also shared on social media. Man United were hoping to acquire the services of Arnautovic on a deal nearing the £8 million mark. According to Sky Sports News, United's bid of £7.6 million was rejected by Bologna. Instead of placing an improved deal, Man United have decided to move on from the Bologna striker.
Earlier, Bologna sporting director Marco Di Vaio claimed that the star striker is "priceless" to the club. "We want to keep going with Arnautovic and keep him, he's at the centre of our project," Di Vaio told 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," he added.
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