Spanish competition for Chelsea, Arsenal target Mandzukic

Chelsea and Arsenal have both been linked with Bayern Munich striker Mario Mandzukic over the past couple of days. The Croatia international is under contract to the Bundesliga champions until 2015 but is expected to quit the club when Poland international Robert Lewandowski arrives on a free transfer from Borussia Dortmund on 1 July.

However, the Premier League duo aren’t the only sides interested in the 27-year-old who has scored 36 goals in 68 games for Bayern since arriving from Wolfsburg in 2012 in a deal worth 13million euro (over £10million).

Serie A side Juventus are keen to use the 6ft 2in Mandzukic as a target man for another potential new signing, Nani from Manchester United. However, Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla warns that further competition will come from Real Madrid.

Mandzukic’s aerial abilities are attractive to Real coach Carlo Ancelotti and scouts from the La Liga giants are expected to monitor the Bayern frontman between now and the end of the season.