Mario Mandzukic

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has made signing a back-up to Olivier Giroud his top priority in the summer and according to reports in Italy he is closely monitoring Bayern Munich star Mario Mandzukic.

Even though the Croatian hitman has scored 17 goals in 17 Bundesliga starting appearances, his future at Bayern looks uncertain, as Pep Guardiola's side recently confirmed that Robert Lewandowski will join them at the end of the season, once his contract at Borussia Dormund expires.

And according to Italian newspaper TuttoMercato Arsenal are considering launching a summer bid for Mandzukic, while Juventus and Spanish giant Real Madrid are also interesting in acquiring his services.

After signing Lewandowski and with Guardiola using Thomas Muller and Mario Gotzen as a 'false nine' on a number of occasions this season, the Italian newspaper adds that Bayern will be open to sell Mandzukic for around £25m.

Indeed, recently Bayern's honorary president Franz Beckenbauer revealed that the Croatian striker may leave the Allianz Arena in the summer.

"Mandzukic could pack his bags. I see Lewandowski in the attack, his playing style is suited for (Pep) Guardiola's ideas than that of Manduzkic," he said.

"There are even more reasons why he could leave - even without him, Guardiola could still count on Thomas Mueller and Mario Goetze in attack."

Wenger is desperately looking for a striker to cover Giroud, who has been forced to play for most the season.

Reports in Spain claimed earlier this month that Arsenal had already agreed personal terms with Real starlet Alvaro Morata but they are also reportedly monitoring other alternatives like Atletico Madrid star Diego Costa, Valencia's Paco Alcacer and Porto's Jackson Martinez.

Arsene Wenger Bayern Munich