Mikel Arteta may be forced into tweaking his Arsenal plans as Bayern Munich 's Serge Gnabry appears increasingly likely to depart in order to fulfil his 'desire' to become a focal striker.
The Gunners took a significant step towards achieving their ultimate aim of a top-four Premier League finish this season by claiming a 3-1 win over fellow Champions League chasers Manchester United on Saturday. The crucial triumph came days after Arteta's side achieved a remarkable 4-2 success over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
The North Londoners have grand plans to strengthen this summer, with 'two marquee signings' reportedly being targeted, however, that could all hinge on whether participation in Europe's elite competition is secured for next season. Arsenal remain intent on adding to their attack, and one such player who could be arriving at the Emirates is a familiar face in Gnabry.
According to German news outlet Sport1, the former Gunner appears set to leave Bayern Munich, who clinched a 10th successive Bundesliga crown this weekend, at the end of the current campaign having failed to agree to a new contract. Gnabry has been a regular in Julian Nagelsmann 's side this season, however, a lack of fulfilment is proving to be an issue.
Reports in Germany claim Gnabry's desire to depart Bayern is not based on finances, but instead, a craving to being offered the opportunity to play as a central striker and become the main man up front. The 26-year-old has been a prominent figure for Bayern this season, netting 16 goals and registering 10 assists in 42 outings.
However, those appearances have seen Gnabry feature on the wing - a position which evidently isn't the player's preference. Having spent the last few seasons playing in the shadow of Robert Lewandowski, it appears the German star is keen to emerge and establish himself as the talisman for a different team.
And that team could very well be Arsenal. Gnabry has made no secret of his love for the Gunners, despite departing North London back in 2016 after failing to agree a new contract under Arsene Wenger.
Gnabry recently declared he is “Always a Gunner” in a possible come-and-get-me plea to his former employers. With Arsenal intent on bolstering their ranks this summer, especially if Champions League football is in the offing, Arteta may well look to exploit Gnabry's contract stand-off and his Gunners affiliation in order to snap the striker up.
However, should Arsenal acquire Gnabry, Arteta may be forced into rethinking his perceived plan. It appeared as though the Spaniard had his heart set on converting Gabriel Martinelli from a winger into a central striker.
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According to Football London, Arteta had been testing Martinelli out in a central position in practice sessions at the club's London Colney training ground. The potential arrival of Gnabry could put paid to those plans.
Signing the Bayern Munich man would see the Gunners fulfil half of their aim to acquire two marquee signings this summer and go some way to solving the club's striker conundrum. Arsenal have been left light up top having failed to sign a new forward in the January transfer window and having terminated the contract of shamed striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Question marks remain over the futures of both Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah, meaning attacking reinforcements are still very much the priority come the end of the season. While there remains great hope for Martinelli, it appears he may be forced to primarily continue as a winger in order to satisfy Gnabry's desire to become the main main up top.
