Arsenal and Chelsea on Alert as Mario Mandzukic Confirms Bayern Munich Departure

Mario Mandzukic has put Premier League clubs on alert after he announced that he will be leaving Bayern Munich during this summer's transfer window.

Arsenal and Chelsea are the Premier league clubs rumoured to be interested in securing the Croatian striker's signature.

It was clear that there was a rift between Pep Guardiola and the 28-year-old striker, after he was dropped from the squad for the German cup final against Borussia Dortmund, despite being the season's top goal scorer for the club.

Mandzukic, who helped Bayern to an unprecedented treble in his first season at the club under coach Jupp Heynckes feels the new style employed by the former Barcelona manager doesn't allow him to play his natural game.

"I met with (Bayern chairman) Karl Heinz Rummenigge before the cup final and told him I wanted to leave the club. 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." Mandzukic said, as quoted in the Daily Mail.

"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," he explained.

Mandzukic, who is on World Cup duty with Croatia, said that he is solely focused on his task at hand and will think of the future at a later date.

"It's time for a fresh challenge but don't insist because I have nothing to say. The public will be informed when the time comes, right now I am focused solely on the World Cup," the Bayern striker added.