Rumour: Arsenal set to make £15m bid for Bayern Munich striker Mario Mandzukic

Croatian forward Mario Mandzukic

Arsenal are set to make a £15 million bid for Croatian hit-man Mario Mandzukic after the Croatia striker netted a brace against Cameroon in his nation’s victory at the World Cup, report The Metro.

Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move to the Gunners this summer and his performance for Croatia has attracted even more attention as Arsene Wenger aims to add more firepower to his lacklustre front-line.

Mandzukic has been a key player for Bayern Munich, with whom he won the Champions League, since signing in 2012, but he seems disillusioned with life at the Allianz Arena after Guardiola opted for Thomas Muller up front in several Bundesliga games ahead of Mandzukic last season.

Mandzukic was also embroiled in an argument with Guardiola towards the end of the season. After a defeat, Guardiola walked into the changing room angry at the players only to see Mandzukic smiling at him.

According to the Metro, Arsene Wenger is thought to have made Balotelli his first choice. However, he is keeping his options and is set to make a bid for Mandzukic to test Bayern’s resolve.

The former Wolfsburg man returned from suspension for Croatia against Cameroon and was highly impressive against the African side as they ran out 4-0 winners.