Wenger has a transfer kitty worth £70 million in order to rejuvenate his squad and is expected to make big signings this summer. Even former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein recently suggested that the Frenchman is finally ready to splash the cash in order to lay a meaningful assault on the Premier League next season.
According to Dailymail, Dortmund attacker Gotze is at the top of Wenger’s wish-list. He is also prepared to smash the club’s record transfer fee by more than double, as he is willing to activate the 20-year-old’s release clause of £31.5 million.
The attacking midfielder has been in blistering form for Dortmund this season, scoring 16 goals and providing 12 assists in 41 appearances. He recently helped the club progress to the semi-finals of the Champions League for the first time in 15 years, where they will challenge the nine time winners Real Madrid for a place in the final.
In what will be a huge setback for Arsenal, the winger has distanced himself from a move to London and prefers staying with Dortmund for at least another season. His agent Volker Struth revealed, “Mario has not even thought about leaving Dortmund in 2013. He is totally not interested in that and will stay at least another season.”
Both Manchester clubs along with Arsenal have previously indicated their interest in the German international. However, the player revealed that he would consider a move to Manchester United among the English clubs. Arsenal are reportedly last in the list of English clubs preferred by Gotze, which is not surprising since the Gunners trophy cabinet has been gathering dust for the last eight years.
Fergie could decide to make a move for the 20-year-old after he admitted his liking for United. He said, “I am very happy at Dortmund and satisfied with the way we are progressing as a team. Any thoughts about playing for another team are very much for the future, but Real Madrid, Barcelona or Manchester United could be interesting.”
All may not be lost for Wenger as there are suitable, if not better, replacements. Malaga have been banned from Champions League football for next term and the cash-strapped club could sell their star asset, Isco, in order to inject some much needed cash into the club.
Isco is considered to be the next Spanish superstar and is tipped for a big money move in the summer. His valuation is similar to that of Gotze and Wenger would do well if he can convince the 20-year-old to join the Gunners.