It is thought Arsene Wenger is looking to sign a new centre-back and defensive midfielder, but rumours over acquiring another striker are still emerging from nowhere.
According to reports in Spain, Arsenal are pursuing their chase of Atletico Madrid striker Mario Mandzukic.
The Croatian international was previously linked with a move to the Emirates over the summer but opted to join Diego Simeone’s side instead.
The 28-year-old has scored 14 goals in 24 appearances, both in domestic and European competitions, so far this season for the La Liga champions, and such form has put Wenger on alert who is believed to have made the £25 million striker a priority signing.
With Lukas Podolski gone to Inter for the remainder of the season and both Yaya Sanogo and Joel Campbell set to follow suit, Wenger only has Olivier Giroud as a recognizable centre-forward and is thought to be keen on adding to his attacking options.
But I don’t see this move happening for a number of reasons:
1. Firstly, Mandzukic has only been at Atletico for six months and still has two-and-a-half years left to run on his current deal. So it is more than likely that £25 million will not be enough to land him.
2. Simeone doesn’t have a great deal of depth upfront at Atletico – he only has the Croat, Fernando Torres on loan and Raul Garcia at his disposal.
And last but not least:
3. Wenger has to address other matters before even considering signing another forward – besides, Alexis Sanchez, Danny Welbeck and Theo Walcott can also fill in for Giroud should the Frenchman pick up an injury of suspension.
