Werder Bremen have explained why Serge Gnabry opted to leave Arsenal over the summer and join the Bundesliga side on a four-year deal.
The 21-year-old departed the Gunners in the summer after four years at the club having failed to force his way into the first team.
Manager Arsene Wenger has admitted he wanted to keen Gnabry at the club and was keen for him to sign a new contract prior to his move.
Gnabry played a starring role for Germany in the Rio Olympics over the summer scoring six goals in six matches before final defeat to Brazil on penalties.
The versatile attacker has also made an impressive start to life in the Bundesliga racking up two goals and an assist in five games and general manager Frank Baumann says it was the prospect of regular football that caused him to leave north London.
“Serge made a conscious decision to make the step from a top club to a club where he gets minutes, and it wasn’t the worst step for him,” he told Bild.
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“Serge knows what he has at Werder and that he can build something here. I don’t have any fears that he wants to leave. I hope that he will continue on the Werder path for many years.”
Baumann has also been impressed by the speed at which his new signing has adapted to life at the club.
“I am amazed, and a bit surprised, about his consistency,” he added. “It can take time to settle at a new club. It’s nice that he’s doing it at speed.”
Gnabry’s departure was unexpected particularly after Wenger’s comments although knee injuries had disrupted his progress at the Emirates. His performances at the Olympics and at Bremen have led to speculation Bayern Munich are interested in his services and may make fans wonder if Arsenal should have done more to keep hold of him.
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