Arsenal lead race to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Mario Gotze

Arsenal are leading the race to sign Mario Gotze from Bayern Munich as the Bundesliga club threaten to omit the German international from their squad for the Champions League. The 24-year-old wants to complete his contract with the German giants, which expires next year, but may have a change of heart after interest from Arsene Wenger.

Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo suggests that Munich are trying to push Gotze out to make way for further transfers when new manager Carlo Ancelotti takes the helm. The German midfielder, however, wants to wait till the end of the Euros to make a decision.

Liverpool are also interested in the midfielder with Jurgen Klopp using his influence at Dortmund to try to persuade the player to move to Anfield. However, that interest has subsided over the past weeks after reports emerged that Gotze wants to play in Europe, something Liverpool will be unable to provide following their eighth place finish in the league last season.

Klopp has therefore moved on to other targets, with Southampton forward Sadio Mane believed to be in the frame. Liverpool may still come back for Gotze following recent developments but Arsenal are favourites given their continuous participation in Europe's biggest club tournament. The midfielder made only 24 appearances for Bayern last season in the league, scoring three goals and assisting four in the process.

However, there is still a possibility that the 24-year-old may see out his contract with the Bavarians and Germany manager Joachim Low has backed Gotze to do what is best for his future.

"I've been in constant contact with Mario and he's kept me informed all the time," Low said at a press conference, as quoted by the Mirror. "He's had a long talk with Ancelotti and I think a few falsities were said about that, but a coach can never give a guarantee and he told Mario that everybody starts from scratch from the start of the season under him."

"Mario has had offers, but I always felt he is in Munich with his heart and he wants to prove himself there. He told me he wants to stay in Munich and take his chance with the new coach and I think that's a fine decision because it's what his feeling tells him to do, so it's the right decision for him," the German manager added.