Gnabry Glad to stay at Arsenal after snubbing Stuttgart

Before signing for Arsenal as a 16-year old, Serge Gnabry played for his boyhood club Stuttgart, and it has now been revealed that the Bundesliga side tried to persuade the 18-year old to return to them this summer. From what we have seen of him in pre-season and since the start of the season, it is no wonder they wanted him back.

His former sporting director Joachim Schneider told Bild, “It’s true, he had the chance to return in the summer, but he opted to fight for his chance at Arsenal and deserves every respect for this decision.

“After his goal in Swansea I sent his father a text to congratulate him.

“We will continue to monitor his progress. But if he continues to go down the path he is currently going, and becomes a starter for Arsenal, it will be difficult.”

It certainly will, Joachim. It was probably difficult for young Gnabry as well. With Walcott and Oxlade-Chamberlain blocking his path, the route to the first team would not have looked easy, but the 18-year old has already shown that he is not an average teenager. No matter how tempting a return to his boyhood club, and regular games, would have been, Gnabry backed himself. And he has been rewarded.

Even if his playing opportunities are limited in the latter part of this season, he will feature and has already staked his claim as a Gunner. As Del Boy used to say, he who dares, Rodney.