Arsenal will table an offer of £15 million for Bayern Munich striker Mario Mandzukic, if a deal for Mario Balotelli from AC Milan not materialise this summer, report The Metro.
The Croatia international has been heavily linked with a move away from Munich after the arrival of Robert Lewandowski.
Following Mandzukic ‘s recent performance against Cameroon in the World Cup 2014, the 28-year-old has attracted even more attention as the Gunners manager Arsene Wenger looks to add a new striker to his front-line after heavily relying on Olivier Giroud last season.
Mandzukic joined the Bavarians from VfL Wolfsburg in 2012, since then he has established himself as one of a key player for the German champions, scoring 48 goals in 88 appearances for the club over the past two seasons.
During his tenure at the Allianz Arena, he won the Bundesliga title in 2012–13 and 2013–14, Champions League 2012-13 and DFB-Pokal, as well as the German Supercup.
The report claims that Wenger has Balotelli his first choice this summer. However, he is keeping his options open at the moment, despite heavy interest from Premier League rivals Chelsea and Italian club Inter Milan.
The former Wolfsburg man will be available on the cheap and the North London Club want to sign him immediately after the World Cup tournament – just in case a move for Balotelli collapses.
