Despite not openly talking about Mario Mandzukic’s transfer, Arsenal seemed set on signing the 28 year old striker. Unfortunately for the Gunners, who were caught up in signing Alexis Sanchez, Bayern’s former forward reached an agreement with Spanish Champions, Atletico. Mandzukic already underwent the medical with the Spanish side and he is set on moving to Madrid later this week. The Croatian who was according to talkSPORT, moved for £14.5m, will replace Diego Costa who joined Chelsea earlier this month.

Arsenal did not insist on bringing in the striker who has a similar profile to that of Giroud but they were still looking to him as a viable solution for improving their attack. With the Sanchez deal finalized, the Gunners will be searching to fill in the other spots on the team which are not very well covered.

Mandzukic who was part of a long list of possible targets, was expected to come in as a possible substitute for Giroud. The Frenchman is and will probably remain Wenger’s first choice despite the addition of Alexis Sanchez and the possible addition of Loic Remy from QPR. With that in mind, the Croatian international probably decided to sign with the team which offered him a sure thing which is exactly what he was looking for after leaving Bayern where he was fighting for 1st team chances. Arsenal will now be directing their attention elsewhere to secure other targets like Sami Khedira.