According to a report in the Telegraph, Serge Gnabry has refused to rule out a Premier League return with both ourselves and Chelsea mentioned as possible destinations.

Having joined as a highly-rated teenager in July of 2011, Gnabry burst onto the scene with the Gunners during a memorable 2013/14 campaign.

His well-taken finish against Swansea at the Liberty set tongues wagging about his huge potential, and assists against Crystal Palace and Tottenham (FA Cup) enhanced his reputation around north London as one of the club’s brightest prospects.

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Arsenal’s German forward Serge Gnabry (C) celebrates scoring during a goal during the English Premier League football match between Swansea City and Arsenal at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea on September 28, 2013. (Picture source: Paul Ellis / AFP / Getty Images)

However a troublesome knee injury, which saw him miss over a year of football (without Arsenal even mentioning it), saw his development stagnate. The rest as they say, was history and after a frustrating spell on loan under Tony Pulis, he was a surprising permanent departure on deadline day – eager for regular minutes and an opportunity to prove his worth.

Since the move, Gnabry has been Werder’s chief attacking threat in an otherwise underwhelming season for them as they hover three points above the relegation places in 15th position.

Their winter break ends this week with a tricky return to action on Saturday against Borussia Dortmund and although Gnabry has settled into life back in Germany well, he hasn’t ruled out a possible return.

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BRAUNSCHWEIG, GERMANY – JANUARY 14: Braunschweig’s Marcel Correia (L) and Werder winger Serge Gnabry battle for the ball during the friendly match between the two sides at Eintracht Stadion on January 14, 2017 in Braunschweig, Germany. (Photo by Martin Rose/Bongarts/Getty Images)

As quoted by the Telegraph, he said: “For my future, I’ve decided to focus on how I play now and today. But what happens in the future depends on my performance.

“What if Chelsea or Arsenal come knocking? Well, at the moment I’m trying to give everything to Werder.”

To conclude it’s very unlikely that Gnabry will return to Arsenal, especially so soon after departing. It is understandable that the talented German feels he may have some unfinished business in England’s top flight, especially after such a disappointing loan spell at West Bromwich Albion during his final full campaign, but he wouldn’t be guaranteed the level of regular minutes he’s getting at Werder Bremen – so why return now?

It’s also counterproductive on Arsenal’s part, as they’ve got a number of attack-minded players waiting in the wings for their opportunities to shine, so signing Gnabry would send out the wrong message despite his good form of late.