Marko Arnautovic has been linked with both Inter and Roma, with his agent begging for a transfer, but Bologna director Giovanni Sartori insists he is ‘not on the market.’
As if to confirm as much, the centre-forward is in the starting XI for this evening’s Coppa Italia first round match against Cesena.
Director of sport Sartori also spoke to the media before kick-off and clarified the club’s position.
“Arnautovic is not on the market. He is essential for our team.”
The striker turned 34 in April and his contract with the Rossoblu runs until June 2025.
Roma have made an approach, but Inter seem to be the more determined side and are also the team he would be most willing to join.
His agent said as much when speaking to Sky Sport Italia on Wednesday evening.
“We want Bologna to listen to us, because we had some very clear agreements. Last summer we received two very important proposals from the Premier League and out of respect for Bologna we did nothing,” agent Danijel Arnautovic told Sky Sport Italia.
“We received more offers at the start of June and Bologna promised that if there was interest from a top club, they would consider the sale so Marko could go.
“Now this offer has arrived and we would like Bologna to understand the importance of this opportunity for him. It would allow him to compete at the highest level and win titles.”
Both Inter and Roma had many other options for the attack, but for various reasons have failed to land any of them.
They often overlapped, including Gianluca Scamacca, while the Giallorossi now fear Santos will not release Marcos Leonardo.