Rumour: Mario Mandzukic could fire Arsenal to Premier League glory

With Arsene Wenger short of options up front, the general expectation among the club’s fans is that he will look to bring in a new striker before the end of the January transfer window.

According to the Metro, Bayern Munich forward Mario Mandzukic will be allowed to leave the Bundesliga outfit this month, opening the door to a potential move to the Emirates.

With Poland striker Robert Lewandowski arriving in the summer, the Bavarian giants have been rumoured to be looking to shift Mandzukic, and Arsene Wenger has recently been made aware that the Croatian international may be available at the end of the season.

However, after being left out of the squad to face Borussia Mönchengladbach earlier in the week – following poor performances in training – the Croatian could now be allowed to leave within the next few days, with a loan deal looking the most viable option.

Mandzukic would be a fantastic signing for the Gunners, there is absolutely no doubt about that and with this turn of events Arsene Wenger has been handed an incredible opportunity. The 27-year-old had lead the line for Bayern over the last two years assisting his side to a European and domestic treble last term.

The arrival of a striker of the Croatian’s ability could prove to be the final piece of the Arsenal jigsaw, providing the perfect opportunity to secure the club’s first Premier League title since the immense achievement of ‘the Invincibles’.

With 10 goals in just 16 – as well as a conversion rate of 30.3% – Bundesliga appearances during the current campaign, Mandzukic clearly has a clinical eye for goal. In the Champions League he has finished 22.2% of his chances, scoring on two occasions from a total of nine shots. There can be no denying the notion that he is a world class frontman.

When compared to the current form of Olivier Giroud, there is a clear disparity between the two strikers. The Frenchman has scored nine goals in 20 league appearances, with an added two strikes coming in Europe. His domestic conversion rate of 16.7% is far from the level of Mandzukic and with one more goal than Giroud, in far less playing time, the Croatian is clearly the more adept goal scorer.

Wenger has relied on Giroud’s presence a great deal this season and as the club have lacked options upfront; his fitness and goal scoring form will be vital if the club wishes to end its current trophy-less run. However, the ex-Montpellier man lacks consistency and he has already experienced a dry patch this campaign. In essence, he is not the most reliable of frontmen and reinforcements are needed if Wenger plans to taste success for the first time in just under 10 years.

The Croatian would fit seamlessly into the current system at the Emirates, he is skilled at leading the line while several attackers support him from behind. This is the set-up he has grown accustomed to at Bayern Munich and the strategy at Arsenal would be no different.

With Manduzkic acting as the support player furthest up the field, the likes of Mesut Ozil, Aaron Ramsey and Santi Cazorla have the perfect target in assistance throughout an attack. He possesses similar aerial ability and hold-up play to Olivier Giroud, but with a more polished overall technique. The move to the Emirates would prove an easy transition.

The Munich striker has won 47% of his attempted duels this season, completing 43 headers and seven take ons. He has also found success with 70% of his passes on average. These assets are required in order to play the role of the lone striker and Mandzukic is clearly adept at performing in this position.

Like Giroud, all 10 of Mandzukic’s domestic goals have come from within the penalty area. The two players are poachers by nature and the latter in particular guarantees goals, especially when playing with the support of such fantastic midfielders. The Croatian has scored three with his left foot, three with his right and four with his head. He is renowned for his aerial ability and this would prove an important advantage in the Premier League.

The one factor lacking in the Croatian’s game is creativity. Giroud has provided assistance in the attacking third on a regular basis this campaign, playing 24 key passes and assisting five times. Whilst Mandzukic has fashioned 16 opportunities for his teammates, failing to set-up a single goal. This is by no means a problem, as he makes up for his lack of creativity with his goal scoring record and, ultimately, his ability to find the back of the net will be Arsene Wenger’s main concern.

Arsenal need more firepower if they wish to be crowned Premier League champions this season and the club could benefit hugely from Mandzukic’s current situation with Bayern. The Croatian is a top striker and he would prove a very valuable acquisition for a team simply itching for success.