Despite enjoying a strong season that sees them top of the Premier League and in the Champions League semi-finals, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly keen to bolster his attacking options, with former Gunner Serge Gnabry emerging as a prime target. The pursuit of the Bayern Munich superstar is seen by many as an attempt to bring back a player who slipped through Arsenal’s grasp during a period of transition for the club.

Arsenal’s impressive league position belies an attacking output that has, at times, been inconsistent. Following his £63 million transfer from Sporting CP, Viktor Gyokeres is the only Arsenal player to hit double digits in the league this season.

Other attacking talents like Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke have contributed seven and two goals respectively. The team has also experienced several “toothless performances,” attributed partly to Bukayo Saka’s dip in form and injury issues affecting Kai Havertz. Further attacking reinforcements are widely expected at the Emirates this summer.

The ‘one who got away’ narrative

Gnabry, now 30, has been a regular fixture under Bayern manager Vincent Kompany this term, notching eight goals and registering four assists in 21 appearances across all competitions. However, his season was curtailed by a thigh injury that has also ruled him out of the World Cup. This significant setback will keep him sidelined until July 2026, meaning he will miss the entire pre-season and faces an uncertain physical adaptation period at the start of the new campaign.

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The German international’s initial departure from Arsenal in 2016 for a cut-price £5 million to Werder Bremen remains a point of contention for many Gunners fans. Within a year, Gnabry had transferred to Bayern Munich.

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger suggested in a 2019 interview with sportbible, that Bayern had a hand in Gnabry’s move to Bremen, stating, “We tried to extend his contract for a very long time and I think that Bayern manipulated behind the scenes, that if he went to Bremen, he would join Bayern after.”

Wenger also reflected on Gnabry’s struggles prior to his exit, noting, “He came back from a very bad experience [on loan] at West Brom, where his confidence was destroyed. I tried to rebuild him because I believed in him.”

Injury and contract complicate potential move

Complicating any potential return is Gnabry’s recent contract extension with Bayern Munich. In February 2026, he signed a new deal that ties him to the Bavarian club until June 30, 2028. As reported by Sports Boom, he accepted a salary reduction to approximately €15M-€16M annually.

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Despite this show of loyalty, Bayern’s reported interest in Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon suggests they might be open to sanctioning a significant departure as they pursue younger, more dynamic profiles.

Arsenal’s strategy, according to Ekrem Konur of Sports Boom, is to closely monitor Gnabry’s rehabilitation process and physical response before making a definitive final move. Given his long-term injury, the club is unlikely to risk an “astronomical” bid at the start of the summer, especially since he won’t be match-fit until well into the next calendar year. The potential reunion, while emotionally resonant for Arsenal, will require careful consideration of both his fitness and financial implications.

Sources: www.sportsboom.co.uk, www.sportbible.com

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