Gunners eye options to Italian goal grabber.
Arsenal are plotting a move to snap up Bayern Munich striker Mario Mandzukic from under Chelsea’s grasp should they miss out on landing AC Milan forward Mario Balotelli, according to the Daily Star.
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Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is keen to bring Balotelli back to the Premier League this summer, and is willing to pay him a massive £180,000-per-week to land his signature.
It has been understood that the club will also use their new partnership deal with sportswear giants Puma in order to push the £27m deal through.
However, Arsenal are aware of how much of a tall order it will be to sign the Italian international and have sought to cook up a contingency plan in case they fail to convince Milan to sell.
Mandzukic, 28, is surplus to requirements at Bayern Munich and has been told he can leave the club.
Chelsea had been linked with making a £15m move for the Croatian international, but according to reports in mainland Europe the striker would prefer a move to the Emirates Stadium instead.
Mandzukic scored twice in his country’s 4-0 win over Cameroon on Wednesday night and was kept under close watch by Wenger, who has been working in Brazil as a pundit.
Chelsea are set to complete a £32m move for Atletico Madrid’s Diego Costa, but is aware that his forward line needs some more additions if they hope to compete for the Premier League title and the Champions League next term.
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