Marko Arnautovic: Bologna manager confident of keeping striker despite Man Utd interest
By Tom Gott
Bologna manager Sinisa Mihajlovic had admitted he is confident that the club will be able to hold on to striker Marko Arnautovic, despite interest from Manchester United.
With doubts over the future of Cristiano Ronaldo, United have launched a bid for 33-year-old Arnautovic and are looking to get a deal done for under €10m, although 90min understands Bologna are holding out for €15m.
Club director Marco di Vaio recently did his best to shut down the speculation, insisting Arnautovic is 'priceless' to the Serie A side, and now manager Mihajlovic has confirmed his desire to keep the Austrian as well.
"Marko and I talk often, we have a relationship characterized by mutual respect," Mihajlovic told Mediaset. "Whether he stays or goes is not up to me, but rather the club. I hope he stays because it’s not easy to replace him.
"If he leaves, I would be happy for him, but I don't think he will leave. I think he will stay and continue to behave with great respect."
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Despite Mihajlovic's optimism, Arnautovic's agent has acknowledged an offer from 'a well-known club' and has confirmed he is speaking with Bologna to try and arrange an exit for the former West Ham and Stoke striker.
United boss Erik ten Hag and assistant Steve McClaren have both worked with Arnautovic in the past and both are understood to be interested in signing someone with the Austrian's aggressive play style.
Club officials are also keeping an eye on Leicester City's Jamie Vardy amid the Foxes' need to offload players this summer.