Scores in 62% of games: Arsenal set sights on Champions League winning goal machine

Arsenal have been linked with Bayern Munich forward Mario Mandzukic, with the striker’s future currently up in the air at the Allianz Arena, report the Daily Mail.

The Croatian has featured in every game this season, but completed the full 90 minutes on just seven occasions and it’s rumoured that Bayern could be willing to part ways with him in order to free up space in their squad for the reportedly incoming Robert Lewandowski in the summer.

With his future with the German champions so unsure, it is believed that Mandzukic could push for a move in January should the right offer come in and with Arsenal short on attacking options currently, they would look to get a deal done quickly.

The Gunners have relied on Olivier Giroud as their sole striker this season and the Frenchman has begun to show signs of fatigue, culminating in the ankle injury that is currently keeping him on the sidelines.

With Nicklas Bendtner the only back-up to Giroud and facing his own injury lay-off and Lukas Podolski and Theo Walcott preferred in supporting roles, Wenger has identified the need for striking reinforcements if they are to maintain their title challenge into the business end of the season.

Real Madrid’s Alvaro Morata, Diego Costa of Atletico Madrid and Dimitar Berbatov, currently at Fulham, have all been mooted as potential targets, but should a proven class act like Mandzukic be available at a reasonable price, that could sway Wenger’s hand into wrapping up a swift deal for someone who could be considered the final piece of the Arsenal jigsaw.

How will Mandzukic boost Arsenal’s fortunes?

The Croatian striker has started less games than Olivier Giroud this season, but has scored more goals than the Frenchman, with a wonderfully even spread between the use of his right foot, left foot and head to net his strikes.

He has hit the target with 64% of his shots and boasts an extraordinary conversion rate of 30.3%, which for those of you keeping up is better than even Luis Suarez. Given a regular run in the team, Arsenal could be in possession of their very own goal machine should a deal be able to be done with the German giants.