Arsenal Suffer Blow Ahead of Summer Transfer Window Spending Spree

Arsenal's hopes of landing a big-name striker in the summer transfer window have suffered a serious setback after Bayern Munich ruled out parting with Mario Mandzukic despite the imminent arrival of Robert Lewandowski.

Lewandowski has signed a pre-contract agreement to join the Bavarian giants on a free transfer in the summer and is expected to lead Bayern's attack from next season.

Manduzkic has made 16 Bundesliga appearances this season, scoring 10 goals, but having often been overlooked by Pep Guardiola, with the Spanish boss preferring Mario Gotze in attack, the Croatian could be deemed surplus to requirements upon the arrival of further competition.

But Bayern chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said: "We are completely satisfied with Mario. He has exceeded the expectations we had of him. We're even prepared to extend his contract, and I don't have the impression that he wouldn't want us to."

Following the confirmation of Lewandowski's move from Borussia Dortmund to Bayern, Arsenal were among the clubs linked with a move for the former Wolfburg forward, with Arsene Wenger keen to sign a forward to lead his forward line alongside Olivier Giroud.

Arsenal have also been linked with Diego Costa and Jackson Martinez however a move for Mandzukic appeared more realistic given Bayern's expected valuation.

However, Arsenal may now be forced to think again regarding their plans for the summer, in which they are expected to mirror the marque addition of Mesut Ozil.

Wenger is in desperate need of a new forward in the current January transfer window however reports suggest he has instructed club scouts to seek out a short-term solution to his attacking problems, with a big money signing now not expected until the summer.

Dimitar Berbatov has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates in January after falling out of favour with new Fulham coach Rene Meulensteen and the Bulgarian would be ideally suited to assisting the club's domestic and European campaign.