Man Utd to make move for former Arsenal man who the club let go for just £5 million back in 2016

Manchester United could sign a former Arsenal reject as they set out the blueprints for their first transfer window under Sir Jim Ratcliffe's new regime.

Ratcliffe has made no secret of his ambitions since acquiring 25% of the club from the Glazers earlier this year.

The British billionaire has stressed the importance of looking at the success of their local rivals when trying to bring the club back to the top.

“We have a lot to learn from our noisy neighbour and the other neighbour,” Ratcliffe said.

“They are the enemy at the end of the day. There is nothing I would like better than to knock both of them from their perch.”

There has already been evidence of this approach from Ratcliffe, with United poaching Omar Berrada from Manchester City as their new CEO. United have also reportedly made England manager Gareth Southgate their number one choice to replace Erik ten Hag.

While off-field changes are already in full swing, the on-field changes will have to wait until the summer as Ratcliffe prepares for his first opportunities in the transfer market.

United have been linked with the likes of Jarrad Branthwaite and Michael Olise, but one name in the mix may raise the eyebrows of Arsenal fans.

According to Fichajes, United are expressing an interest in bringing Serge Gnabry back to the Premier League this summer, with the German forward's versatility proving to be a key factor in the interest.

The 28-year-old has been in the Premier League previously but struggled for game time with just 11 league appearances at both Arsenal and during his loan spell with West Brom and was eventually sold for just £5 million.

Since his underwhelming spell in England, Gnabry has gone on to be one of Bayern Munich's most influential players of recent times and played a key role in their 2020 Champions League winning campaign.

Serge Gnabry- Getty

The wide man has struggled with injuries this season only recently returning to the side. However, he has scored in both his Bundesliga matches since his return, again reiterating his importance to the side when fully fit.

Gnabry currently has a contract with the reigning Bundesliga champions until 2026 so a deal could be costly for Ratcliffe and United, but with goals for Ten Hag's side not particularly fruitful it could be a necessary piece of spending.

With both Jadon Sancho and Antony's United futures looking far from certain, a new winger could be one of Ratcliffe's biggest priorities in the summer.