Werder Bremen confirm Serge Gnabry exit amid links to Hoffenheim

Serge Gnabry will leave Werder Bremen after just one season after triggering a release clause in his contract, with a move to Hoffenheim reported.

Gnabry, 21, joined Bremen from Arsenal last summer, and impressed during his debut season in the Bundesliga.

However, the Germany international dropped down the pecking order toward the end of the season following injury problems earlier in 2017.

"Serge has told us that he wants to make the next step in his career following his very good first year at Werder," Bremen sporting executive Frank Baumann said. "He therefore will trigger a release clause and leave the club at the end of this month."

Gnabry scored 11 goals and set up a further two in 27 Bundesliga games for Bremen, and was called an "absolute key player" by head coach Alexander Nouri, who added: "We wish him the best for future."

In a statement posted on Instagram, Gnabry who currently is with the Germany under-21 team ahead of the 2017 European Championship, wrote: "Werder Bremen are indeed a special club and have surpassed my expectations. I was handed the chance to prove myself here and I am very thankful for it."

He added: "But my path will continue elsewhere. And I will reveal where another time. Today, it's important to me to say Thank You! I will keep Werder in my heart."

Reports in Germany suggest that Gnabry will join Hoffenheim, who have qualified for the Champions League qualification rounds. He has also been linked with RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich in the past.

Kicker reports that Bayern have first refusal on Gnabry and they have to be made aware of any potential transfer.

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