Rumour: Arsenal might move for Mario Mandzukic

Mandzukic the latest name to be linked with Arsenal

Reports suggest English giants Arsenal are interested in securing the services of Croatian striker Mario Madzukic.

The 27-year-old forward has been in decent form for the Bavarians this season, but with the rumoured arrival of Robert Lewandowski in the summer on a free from Bayern Munich, may see the Croatian get very few chances to start. Bayern have not been reluctant to sell players not needed by them, evident by the summer departure of German striker Mario Gomez in the summer to Fiorentina.

Although a move for the striker looks unlikely in this window, a summer move cannot be ruled out. Arsenal currently do not have any fit first-team strikers in their ranks; with Giroud currently ruled out for another 2 weeks and back-up striker Nicklas Bendtner also ruled out for over 2 months after sustaining an injury against Cardiff on New Year’s day.

Wenger also acknowledged the need for a striker if Bendtner was to be ruled out for more than 3 weeks, here’s what Arsene had to say before the news of Bendtner being ruled out for 2 months came to the fore:

“My transfer plans depend on how long Bendtner will be out for,’ admitted Wenger, whose side host bitter rivals Spurs in the FA Cup this evening.

“At the moment we are just considering our options. I must confess they are quite restricted.

“If it’s months rather than three weeks, then we would have to think about buying.”

Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa has been watched by Gunners scouts, while there is also a firm interest in taking Real Madrid youngster Alvaro Morata on loan.