Transfer Centre

Manchester United 'handed double transfer blow'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 04 October 2023

Juventus' Federico Chiesa and Bayern Munich's Serge Gnabry are not realistic options for Manchester United in January, according to a report.

Manchester United will reportedly find it incredibly difficult to sign either Juventus' Federico Chiesa or Bayern Munich's Serge Gnabry during the January transfer window.

The Red Devils are believed to be considering moving for a new wide player at the start of 2024, with Jadon Sancho widely expected to depart on loan due to his falling-out with head coach Erik ten Hag.

A recent report claimed that Chiesa had been identified as a possible target, with the 25-year-old's future in Turin currently the subject of much speculation.

Gnabry has also been linked with a mid-season move to Old Trafford amid suggestions that Bayern are willing to listen to offers for the Germany international.

However, according to journalist Dean Jones, neither Chiesa nor Gnabry are likely to be available for transfer during the winter market.

Bayern Munich's Serge Gnabry walks off the pitch after being substituted due to injury on September 26, 2023 © Reuters

"I think it's unreasonable to expect that Chiesa or Gnabry are genuinely likely signings for United right now," Jones told GIVEMESPORT.

"Obviously there is a good chance in January that United will recruit an attacker because of the disciplinary situations that have cut Ten Hag's options but these two are pretty much out of their reach at the moment.

"Chiesa has been crucial in these early weeks for Juventus and I'm told a meeting is due next month to load him onto a new improved contract, so if that discussion goes well then he'll be on fresh terms to 2026 committed to the cause but also with his high valuation assured.

"Gnabry is just going to be too important to Bayern this season for them to consider losing him. This team is going to need to really dig in throughout the season, use the depth of the squad, and their attacking players are crucial to maintaining consistent wins that allow them to maintain their domination.

Juventus' Federico Chiesa reacts on April 20, 2023 © Reuters

"Gnabry has just picked up an injury that is going to keep him out for a little while and in Germany that's seen as a blow - so this is a vital player to their current project and the prospect of him joining United in a few months time seems unlikely."

Chiesa, who has scored four goals and registered one assist in seven Serie A appearances this season, has entered the final two years of his contract at Juventus.

Gnabry, meanwhile, has a contract at Allianz Arena until June 2026, and the attacker has featured on six occasions for Bayern this term, scoring once, which came against Man United in the Champions League.

Sancho has seemingly played his last game for the club, but Antony made his return off the bench against Galatasaray on Tuesday after a period of absence.

Man United will be aiming to bounce back from successive home losses to Crystal Palace and Galatasaray when they host Brentford on Saturday afternoon.