Premier League trio; Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United, have all been put on red-alert after Bayern Munich striker Mario Mandzukic confirmed he will be leaving the German champions this Summer in seek for a new challenge.
The Croatian international, who is ready to upset the hosts on Thursday in the World Cup opener, has revealed in an interview that his style of football doesn’t suit Pep Guardiola’s, which is similar to Arsenal’s, which could rule them out of the running.
However, all three English sides are on the lookout for new forwards, despite Chelsea already signing Diego Costa from Atletico Madrid, and it’s believed that Jose Mourinho’s next main-target, is Mandzukic.
The 28-year-old scored 23 goals for club and country last season, and confirmed late last night that a move away this Summer is the likely option.
‘I met with [Bayern chairman] Karl Heinz Rummenigge before the cup final and told him I wanted to leave the club,’ he told Croatian newspaper Sportske Novosti.
‘I’ve had a fantastic time at Bayern. It’s a great club and I never thought I’d want to leave, and especially not at this point in time.
‘But, let’s be honest, I cannot play to my strengths under Guardiola’s style – no matter how hard I try.
‘I realised that after the 1-0 defeat by Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final first leg and, that being the case, it’s best for all parties that we go our separate ways.
‘Guardiola is an outstanding coach and I wish him and everyone else at the club all the best in the future.
‘Bayern and the club’s fans will remain the best and most emotional chapter in my career.’
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles
