Rumour: Arsenal given boost in chase for Bayern Munich striker Mario Mandzukic

Mario Mandzukic

Arsenal have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Mario Mandzukic, after Wolfsburg pulled out of the running for the signature of the Bayern Munich striker, according to the Metro.

With Robert Lewandowski joining Bayern in the summer from Borussia Dortmund, Mandzukic’s long-term future at the Allianz Arena is in serious doubt and he is expected to push for a move away from the current European champions.

The striker is settled in Germany and is thought to favour remaining in the Bundesliga, but with Wolfsburg declining to make an attempt at a transfer, it gives Arsenal a free run at a player they have held a long-term interest in.

Arsenal are keen to add strikers to their squad in the summer, as they currently only have Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski as trusted options, with Nicklas Bendtner set to leave the club in the summer and Yaya Sanogo still learning his trade at the Emirates.

They have been linked with a host of big name signings including the likes of Diego Costa and Karim Benzema, but Mandzukic is more likely to be readily available, as Bayern boss Pep Guardiola feels he doesn’t quite fit into his plans.

A fee of £20million has reportedly been slapped on his head, but Arsenal will feel safe in the knowledge that with Wolfsburg pulling out of the race, they will not have to enter a bidding war in order to bring the Croatian to North London.

Mario Mandzukic has netted 16 goals in 22 appearances for Bayern Munich this season, converting 30.8% of his shots on goal. Olivier Giroud’s 12 Premier League goals have come from a conversion rate of just 18.5%.