Arnautovic ‘very, very close to Manchester United’ in 2022 when Bologna blocked move

Marko Arnautovic is a free agent after leaving Inter and his brother ruled out a series of options, including Rapid Vienna, while admitting he was ‘very close to Manchester United’ in 2022.

The striker is now 36 years old, but has no intention of hanging up his boots just yet, even after his contract with Inter was allowed to run down.

He has been linked with numerous teams around the globe, above all Rapid Vienna, but his brother and agent Danijel told ORF Sport that there was no rush.

Arnautovic in no hurry for next club

“We are just sounding out the market,” he said. “I am sure something will happen over the next 10-12 days that Marko will be happy with.”

Arnautovic seems to have some very clear ideas on what he doesn’t want, listing the options off the table as Antalyaspor, any clubs in the Saudi Pro League, Russia, or even Major League Soccer in the USA.

“We’re taking a relaxed approach, there is no stress right now.”

There had been reports he was ready to sign for Rapid Vienna, but his brother reiterated this was more media hype than a genuine agreement.

“It was clear to be from the start that it would be very difficult to make it stick. There was never a contract ready for his signature. Rapid benefited from this more than Marko, they were using his name for marketing purposes!”

As for the past, the agent revealed former West Ham United star Arnautovic had been on the verge of a sensational return to the Premier League in 2022.

“At the time, I had various offers for him. Marko was very, very close to joining Manchester United. We had reached an agreement, but Bologna didn’t want to let him leave at that time.”

The Austria international joined Bologna in 2021 and was eventually allowed to leave for Inter in 2023 for a total fee of €10.9m.