Red alert: Gnabry is set to clinch a loan move in the final hours of the window

Sky Arsenal set to seal forward transfer in next two weeks, decision is imminent

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Published on:

19 Aug 2016, 3:35 am

By Tony Hughes

Serge Gnabry is set to leave Arsenal on loan before the transfer window shuts, according to a report.

Sky Sports claim on their website that Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin are interested in the German winger and are expected to find out imminently whether their loan request has been accepted.

It is said that Arsenal want to tie the 21-year-old wide forward down to a new deal before he leaves on loan.

Manager Arsene Wenger revealed on Thursday that he wants to keep hold of the youngster, who has represented Germany at every youth level from U16 to U21.

The Stuttgart-born wide man has caught the eye with his performances at the Olympic Games in Rio, scoring six goals for Germany to spearhead their passage to the final.

“I want to keep Serge Gnabry and extend his contract. I think we stood by him," said Wenger on Thursday, as quoted by the Sky Sports on their transfer centre blog (9.23am). "He went to West Brom, didn’t play, we had to rebuild his confidence.

“I allowed him to go to the Olympics to help Germany. I think he’s here now for a long time."

German publication Sport Bild first reported that Hertha Berlin were keeping close tabs on Gnabry and are also willing to buy him permanently for around £1.7million this summer if his current deal is not extended.

But Wenger still has faith in the German even tough he hasn't appeared for the north London club since March 2014.

The youngster had a disappointing loan at Premier League rivals West Bromwich Albion last season, where he was recalled after making just three appearances for Tony Pulis' side in all competitions.

The seven-time capped Germany Under-21 international was highly rated when he broke into the Gunners first-team after he made his professional debut in the 2012-13 season against Coventry in the League Cup.

In other Arsenal transfer news, this Gunners star has stunned Wenger by revealing he wants to quit and move to a European powerhouse.

Arsenal

Serge Gnabry