Arsenal: Gunners after Liverpool target; Mkhitaryan latest, Dembélé interest surfaces

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Arsene Wenger has already dipped into the Bundesliga this season with the purchase of Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka, but he may not be done there.
Wolfsburg left-back Ricardo Rodriguez has been linked previously and a move is possible, but now they may be looking at a Bayern Munich player who wants out.

Liverpool have been rumoured to be pursuing Mario Götze so far this summer, but they were snubbed by the 2014 World Cup winner after he dismissed links.
Following this, it is reported that Arsenal are now interested in the 24 year-old as a £27 million bid is being plotted as Gotze seeks first team football.

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His role at Bayern is unclear as Carlo Ancelotti comes into the club and may want to bring in his own players, possibly leaving Götze in a state of limbo.  A fresh start seems to intrigue him after an injury-hit season which has seen him lose his regular place in the team.

After his controversial switch from Dortmund back in 2013, a lot was thought of him but he hasn’t had the impact at Munich that he ever had in Dortmund, hence why his immediate link to reunite with former boss Jurgen Klopp, at Liverpool.

However, as Alexis Sanchez and apparently Granit Xhaka dismissed offers from Liverpool, Götze could follow suit due to the opportunity of Champions League football elsewhere.  Liverpool are improving under Klopp and will no doubt challenge to return to Europe’s elite club competition again, however Arsenal are regulars and seem intent on making a better go at it this season, proven with the early capture of Xhaka.

Technically gifted, flexible with positions and superb vision, Götze is a player made for the ‘Arsenal Way’.  Nonetheless, if he is to sign, that surely would result in a midfielder being sold as his qualities and fit into the squad is identical to that of Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey and wingers like Theo Walcott.

Götze can play anywhere across a three-man attacking trio behind a central striker, a system usually adopted by the Gunners, and indeed can even offer himself as the primary forward if required.

In 28 league games, Walcott only managed two assists, five goals and made 17 chances.  In half the games, Götze earned more assists (four), made more chances (19), and only scored two fewer goals.  It is clear to see why Walcott’s place is under threat from possible midfield additions, if Götze is to come in, he may be gone.

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A reason Arsenal may be becoming linked to Götze is that primary target, Henrikh Mkitaryan, is favouring a move to Manchester United. The Armenian’s agent, Mino Raiola, claims the player prefers United to Arsenal, but Dortmund are adamant that they will keep hold of the playmaker who contributed 23 goals and 32 assists in all competitions last term in Germany.

José Mourinho is beginning his reign at United and looking for top calibre players, a problem for Arsenal as they have been linked with a move for Mkhitaryan for a while.  Having the same agent as incoming United transfer target Zlatan Ibrahimovic may be a key turning point against Arsenal in this developing saga.

Closer to home, Arsenal are looking at Fulham striker Moussa Dembele to boost their options. The 19-year-old is out of contract next month and would be a good addition as a prospect for the Gunners with youth forward Yaya Sanogo not turning out as Arsene Wenger may have hoped for so far.

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Dembélé nearly joined North London rivals Spurs in January, but the move fell through, so opting to side with the red half of North London would be a story in itself.  17 goals in his first full season in the Fulham senior side catapulted him into the spotlight and drew Premier League interest.

He is a similar-looking player to Sanogo, except clearly having a better goal-scoring pedigree and experience now in English football.  Chelsea, Liverpool and Juventus are a number of other teams monitoring his situation as he looks set to depart Craven Cottage.

It would be a good purchase for Arsenal as he has the talent and potential to develop into a proven Premier League poacher.  Arsenal fans will hope he is not the only forward signing if he’s purchased on a free as a deal for Jamie Vardy is still in the offing.

As for Vardy, Arsenal legends David Seaman and Robert Pires have urged the England striker to join the North Londoners.  Vardy scored in England’s dramatic 2-1 win over Wales and further highlighted his predatory instinct, something Arsenal desperately need more of. Whether they will be able boast his name on their team-sheet next season though, remains to be seen.

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