Werder sporting director Frank Baumann spoke to the press after negotiations were concluded, saying “we are delighted that Serge has decided to sign for us, even though he had a number of different options. After the injury to Max Kruse we needed to make additions in the forward positions, and we are very pleased that in Serge, we have found a player with the quality to further improve our squad.” Head coach Viktor Skripnik is also happy with the addition to his team. “He is a very young player, but in the recent Olympics he showed the ability he has, the pace he brings to the team and how much of a goal threat he can be. I am confident that he can fulfil his full potential with consistent game time in the Bundesliga.”

Gnabry was given permission to leave the Germany U21 squad’s training camp to finalise the move, and was unveiled as a Werder player in a press conference in Bremen on Wednesday afternoon. “I am looking forward to my time in Bremen. It was important for me to go to a team where I would be able to get a good amount of match practice. The people in charge in Bremen worked very hard to bring me here, and I am sure that this will be a successful move,” said a satisfied Gnabry at his presentation.

The forward moved from VfB Stuttgart to Arsenal in the summer of 2011. He was promoted to Arsène Wenger’s first team within two years, making his Champions League debut in 2012 and claiming an FA Cup winners’ medal in 2014. Between August 2015 and February 2016 he was loaned to West Bromwich Albion. Overall he made eleven Premier League appearances (contributing one goal and one assist) and featuring three times in the Champions League.