Bayern Munich say Mario Mandzukic is not for sale

Following the announcement that Bayern Munich have finalised the long-expected transfer of Robert Lewandowski on a five-year deal from Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund, rumours have circulated surrounding the departure of Bayern’s established centre forward, Mario Mandzukic to Arsenal.

However, the Bundelsiga Giant’s chairman, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has categorically denied such rumours and insists the club have “absolutely no intention” of parting ways with the Croatian striker, who has scored ten goals in Germany’s top-flight so far this season.

“We’re very happy with Mario,” Rummenigge said through Bayern’s official website. “He made a major contribution to us winning so many titles last year. I just have to think back to the goal in London [during the 2013 Champions League final].

“He’s a fantastic player who has come on leaps and bounds with Bayern.

“His contract runs until 2016 and I told his advisor in Marrakech that we would be willing to talk about an extension. We have absolutely no intention of selling Mario.”

Rummenigge also sought to put an end to speculation among the British media linking Chelsea’s David Luiz with a move to the European Champions.

“There’s always lots of speculation and it’s extreme in England, but I can say for certain that he is not an issue for us,” said Rummenigge.

“I personally hope that Holger Badstuber comes back [from injury]. That would be a new arrival who would do Bayern a lot of good.

“He’s a great lad and an important player for us.”