Arsenal make Atletico Madrid striker Mario Mandzukic priority January signing

Arsenal are considering a move in signing Atletico Madrid striker Mario Mandzukic in January, according to Fichajes.net.

The 28-year-old was signed by the La Liga winners from Bayern Munich last summer after he was made aware that his services are no longer required at the Allianz Arena. Since moving to Spain, he has been the main man to lead his side's attacking division after Diego Costa joined Chelsea.

The Gunners were keen on securing Paris Saint-Germain star Edinson Cavani after the end of the season. However, the Uruguayan international is valued to be around £50m and Arsene Wenger is looking to end his side's pursuit in chasing the former Napoli striker.

Arsenal have been closely monitoring the striker in recent times, while their league rivals Manchester City have also maintained their interested. With the Premier League champions set to sign Swansea City star Wilfried Bony this month, Wenger's side are the only club after Mandzukic's services.

The north London club's manager has now set his sights on Mandzukic and has made him the priority signing of the winter transfer window. The Croatian international could be close to completing a switch to the Emirates in the coming weeks, if both clubs reach an agreement.

Atletico are not interested in letting their striker leave the Spanish capital club in January. However, the report claims a bid of €32m (£25m) will tempt Diego Simeone's side to part ways with the former Bayern man.

Wenger allowed German international and World Cup winning forward Lukas Podolski to join Inter Milan on loan this month. In addition to this, the Frenchman also confirmed his compatriot Yaya Sanogo will leave Arsenal and he is hopeful that he joins a top flight English club till the end of the season.

"[Sanogo] will go out on loan. My option is preferably in England," Wenger told Arsenal's official website.

"We are very short today of an option in England and maybe he should go to an English Premier League club. I want Joel Campbell for the future to stay here."

With Podolski joining Inter and Sanogo set to leave the Emirates, Wenger will be left with Olivier Giroud, Danny Welbeck and Campbell as the only recognised strikers in the squad. The addition of Mandzukic in January will bolster Arsenal's attacking division and will also improve their chances of finishing the season in top four.