Guardiola Tells Arsenal and Chelsea Target Mario Mandzukic he Won't Play for Bayern Munich Again

Mario Mandzukic has played his last game for Bayern Munich according to reports in Germany that will intensify Arsenal and Chelsea's interest in the striker.

The Croatian international was left out of the Bayern squad ahead of the DFB-Pokal Cup final against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday by manager Pep Guardiola despite being fully fit.

"He would have been able to play. But it is my decision and that's it," Guardiola told the reporters ahead of the game.

Bayern legend Franz Beckenbauer adds that "something must have occurred" between Mandzukic and the former Barcelona manager and with the arrival of Robert Lewandowski imminent, the striker's future at the Allianz Arena is more uncertain than ever.

Bild report that Guardiola has already told the 27-year-old "good luck with your new club," suggesting Bayern's top scorer for the past two Bundesliga campaigns – having netted 25 in 45 appearances in all competitions this term – will be available at a knock down price this summer.

With an increasing number of reports suggesting Chelsea have already struck a deal with Atletico Madrid to sign Diego Costa this summer, Arsenal will be encouraged in their attempts to bring the former Wolfsburg star to the Emirates.

After failed pursuits of Gonzalo Higuain and Luis Suarez last summer the responsibility of leading the Arsenal line this season has solely fallen on the shoulders of Olivier Giroud.

And after Arsene Wenger was criticised for failing to strengthen his forward options during the January transfer window and with Yaya Sanogo so far unable to prove his worth as an alternative option, a striker with established European pedigree would appear to be a priority this summer.

After Bayern were emphatically eliminated from the Champions League by Real Madrid the club are still on course for a domestic double. In addition to Mandzkuic, Guardiola is also with midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger for tonight's clash with Jurgen Klopp's side.