Arsene Wenger to Use World Cup Trip to Narrow Down Striker Search

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will use the World Cup to run the rule over Bayern Munich striker Mario Mandzukic as he attempts to narrow down his striker targets.

The Gunners boss will be in Brazil as a pundit for French television and the Daily Telegraph suggest he will also use the opportunity to get a closer look at the Croatian international, who has been told he can leave the Allianz Arena this summer.

Mandzukic, 28, will miss his country's clash with Brazil in Wednesday's curtain raiser after being sent off in last November's second leg qualifying play-off but is expected to play a leading role in Niko Kovac's side in their bid to qualify from Group A.

The striker's future at the Bavarian giants has been under intense scrutiny since his club announced the signing of Robert Lewandowski, who will arrive on a free transfer this summer after his contract at Borussia Dortmund expired.

Despite finding the net 18 times in his 21 Bundesligsa starts last season, Mandzukic endured a troubled relationship with manager Pep Guardiola, who opted to leave the former Wolfsburg star out of his side in Bayern's German Cup victory over Dortmund.

Following the snub, Mandzukic announced his intention to leave the German champions. "He (Guardiola) knows I am not fond of the constant media appearances and continuously clarifying things in the media," he said.

"I think it is fine that I was frank with the club. Bayern is a fantastic club, and indeed it was not until recently that I thought about going – I never thought it would happen like this, but let's be honest – I do not correspond with the style of game that Guardiola wants to play.

"After the first game with Real Madrid (Champions League semi-finals) I definitely realised that no matter what happened I could not be at my best.

"Because of this, I think it is best that we part company."

While Manduzkic is being considered by Wenger, the club could be prepared to bring in two forward options over the summer months. Real Sociedad forward Carlos Vela could be on the brink of a return to north London after the Gunners made it known they intended to activate his buyback clause, while Mario Balotelli and Loic Remy have also been persistently linked with the club.