Rumour: Arsenal eye Bayern Munich striker Mario Mandzukic

Mario Mandzukic

Arsenal have set their sights fully on Bayern Munich striker Mario Mandzukic after it emerged that Diego Costa will not be joining them this summer, as the Atletico Madrid sharpshooter prefers a move to London rivals Chelsea.

Arsenal were hoping to land Costa from the current Spanish league leaders, but with reports having emerged that the naturalised Spaniard has agreed to a deal to link up with Jose Mourinho’s side ahead of next season, the Gunners have turned their attentions back to Mandzukic, who is expected to push for a move away from the Allianz Arena in the summer.

The Croatian has been a regular for Bayern this season, but with Robert Lewandowski having agreed a deal to join the Bavarian giants on a Bosman free transfer from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, he is likely to find his first team opportunities limited next season.

Bayern are believed to be open to a sale when the transfer window re-opens in July and, according to the Standard, Arsenal are prepared to make an offer to the German champions in order to boost their faltering forward line.

The Gunners currently have just Olivier Giroud available as a senior option up front, with Nicklas Bendtner untrusted by Arsene Wenger and Yaya Sanogo still learning his trade in the Premier League.

Wenger has made forwards his priority for the summer and Alvaro Morata of Real Madrid and Newcastle loanee Loic Remy are also linked, but with fans asking for a big name signing following a season that has trailed off disappointingly, Mandzukic is believed to be the favoured option for members of the Arsenal hierarchy.

Mario Mandzukic has scored 17 goals in 28 Bundesliga appearances for Bayern Munich this season, having converted 27% of his shots on goal.