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Mario Mandzukic of Bayern Muenchen celebrates as he scores their first goal during the UEFA Champions League final match between Borussia Dortmund and FC Bayern Muenchen at Wembley Stadium on May 25, 2013
Bayern Munich are reportedly prepared to offer Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic to Chelsea as a makeweight in a bid to sign David Luiz this summer, as reports the Metro.
Manager Pep Guardiola has been a long term admirer of Luiz after tracking him whilst at Barcelona as well and has now set his sights on bringing the classy Brazilian to the Allianz Arena in a bid to boost his defensive options in time for next season.
Barcelona had been close to agreeing a deal with Luiz this summer, but the added spice of a quality forward could prove temptation for Chelsea, with Jose Mourinho having confirmed that strikers are the priority for his summer shopping.
Diego Costa is believed to have already signed on for next season in a £35million deal from Atletico Madrid, but with Samuel Eto’o definitely leaving and Demba Ba almost certain to be moved on, Mourinho has suggested he would look to bring in a second proven goal-scorer, with Mandzukic fitting that billing perfectly.
The Croatian striker has failed to fit in to Guardiola’s style of play this season and will be replaced as the lead striker by Robert Lewandowski next season, prompting Mandzukic to inform is agent to find him another club, as he is not prepared to spend a season in the bench.
Arsenal have shown interest as they look to provide competition for Olivier Giroud, but a swap deal that involves Luiz going to Bavaria is thought to appeal to Bayern and they hope to thrash out a deal with Chelsea over the course of the summer.
