Premier League clubs handed possible transfer boost.
Bayern Munich star Mario Gotze has admitted that he would be tempted by a move abroad amid interest from Manchester United and Liverpool, reports the Daily Express.
The 23-year-old’s future at the Allianz Arena has come in to doubt in recent times due his inability to assert himself in the team. Although possessing great potential, it is now becoming a worry that the forward won’t fulfil it and this could tempt Pep Guardiola in to letting him go.
Gotze himself seems open to a move, refusing to deny that he could join Juventus. This openness to going abroad could also leave the way clear for the Premier League sides to pounce.
“I think that Juventus reached the Champions League final not by chance but because they had a great season last year,” he said, “They managed to win titles in the last year and they are a big, big club.
“But, at the moment, I don’t want to comment because there’s nothing to say at the moment. I think that playing abroad might be a good experience for me: new languages, new cultures. I might like it. But, as I said, I’m just at the early stage of my career. Let’s see what the future brings.”
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Arsenal are also meant to be keen on the Germany international. They had their interest piqued when his agent, Volker Struth, criticised Bayern over their handling of the youngster [Daily Mirror]. This apparent rift is something any interested parties could play on.
“Of course I would have liked if Mario had felt more support in one or two situations,” he said, “I am fully convinced that when Mario feels this support, it is easier for him to show his incredible potential. Then he is one of the best players in the world.”
However, Struth has been putting out mixed signals, making it impossible to tell if the player’s representative is indeed trying to manufacture a transfer. Less than two weeks ago the German played down any talk of a move away from Bavaria, and this may be a significant hurdle for any transfer [The Independent].
“No. Mario did not even think about that [a summer exit] for a second,” Struth said, “He is an unbelievably professional footballer who works very hard. Many people don’t see that at all.
“I think the evaluation of his two years at Bayern is often incorrect. He played around 50 games each season and won four titles. And you should never forget that he recently became only 23 years old.
“I am convinced: if Mario feels confidence it is easier for him to bring his unbelievable potential on the field. Then he will be one of the best players in the world.”
While none of Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United are in dire need of an attacking midfielder, a player of Gotze’s ability doesn’t come on to the market too often. If signed, the German could be the difference between winning and losing titles, as shown by his late winner in the World Cup final against Argentina last summer.
Gotze first burst onto the scene as a youngster with Borussia Dortmund and has often found himself in the spotlight ever since, with Arsenal also linked with him a few years ago, according to a report from the Daily Mail at the time.