Gnabry makes decision on future after Arsenal influence on Chelsea move emerges

Serge Gnabry is ready to extend his stay with Bayern Munich despite being linked with a summer transfer to Chelsea, according to reports in Germany.

Gnabry, who spent five years at Arsenal between 2011 and 2016, has been credited with transfer interest from the Blues, who are targeting attacking recruits. Chelsea completed their first signing of the summer on Wednesday as they bought England star Raheem Sterling from Manchester City for £47.5million.

Bayern star Gnabry is another forward on Thomas Tuchel's radar, especially as the West London club have lost out to Barcelona in the race for Leeds playmaker Raphinha.

However, Gnabry's ties with Arsenal led him to rule out a move to Stamford Bridge, according to German publication Bild, and he has now made a final decision over his future.

It is being widely reported that the 27-year-old will not be leaving Bundesliga giants Bayern this summer and is instead set to sign a contract extension at the Allianz Arena, having scored 63 goals in 171 appearances for the Bavarian club.

Sky Germany have claimed that Gnabry is edging closer to signing fresh terms with Bayern, with just a year remaining on his current contract at the Bundesliga side.

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The news will come as a blow to Chelsea if reports of their interest are accurate, while Real Madrid were also monitoring the winger, who celebrated his 27th birthday on Thursday.

The Athletic claims that Gnabry has delayed committing his long-term future as he looked to keep his options open, with Bayern said to be wanting to tie him down on a deal worth north of £300,000 a week.

It is also claimed that Gnabry has not been pleased at being played as a right wing-back by Naglesmann in the second half of last season, with Thomas Muller, Leroy Sane, Jamal Musiala and Kingsley Coman preferred in attack, while Sadio Mane has only added more competition.

However, Gnabry is not said to be pushing for a summer exit, unlike Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, who has been angling for a move to Spanish side Barcelona all summer.

In the last year, Bayern have seen David Alaba and Niklas Sule leave the club on free transfers and are understandably reluctant to let similar scenarios occur again.

During his time at Bayern, Gnabry has won four Bundesliga titles in as many full seasons with the club, after spending his first season with Munich out on loan at Hoffenheim. He has also won the DFB-Pokal twice, the Champions League, the Club World Cup and the Super Cup in the past four years.