Arsenal targets compared: Bayern's star striker v £20m hitman

Posted Friday, June 06, 2014 by Talksport.co.uk

While their London rivals are busy signing some of Europe's finest players, Arsenal are yet to make any real headway in the summer transfer window.

The Gunners' biggest signing so far has been agreeing a new three-year contract with boss Arsene Wenger, but that could all change, with the club being linked with two world-class strikers in the shape of Mario Mandzukic and Mario Balotelli.

According to former Arsenal hitman Alan Smith, Wenger should choose the Bayern Munich star over the Italian hotshot, but which deal really is best for the club?

What do they offer?
Mario Mandzukic's is a different kind of player to his Italian counterpart, but no less effective. Tall and strong, the Croatian is an expert in operating as a target man, and excels in harrying defenders, bringing others into the game and most importantly, he can finish. His 48 goals in 88 appearances for Bayern over the past two seasons proves he is no flash in the pan and at 28 years old, he is reaching his peak as a striker. While he has shown a tendency to sulk – most notably last season – he has let his football do the talking, with Bayern boss Pep Guardiola even calling him the best player in the air in the world.

Followers of the Premier League will be familiar with Mario Balotelli and know exactly what he brings to the table. While his temperament remains an issue, beyond that, his quality as a world-class operator would undoubtedly be of a benefit to Arsenal. Last season Balotelli bagged 18 goals in a very poor AC Milan side, so it would be fair to suggest that in a better side he would be able to find the net with even more regularity.

How likely is a deal?
The imminent arrival of Robert Lewandowski at the Allianz Arena has cast huge doubt over Mandzukic's future, with the Croatian known to be concerned about his levels of playing time next season. While he has already seen off the challenge of Mario Gomez's arrival last summer, Lewandowski is a much more direct threat to his position. Bayern haven't got a reputation as a selling club, but they have shown a willingness to move unhappy players on, exemplified through the sale of Mario Gomez to Fiorentina. As long as Arsenal can offer Mandzukic greater assurances over playing time, they could be in a great position to land him.

Intriguingly, they might find Balotelli an easier target to acquire. Milan president Adriano Galliani has reportedly given permission for the Italian's sale, should he wish to leave, but interested parties are likely to have to fork out around £20m for his services. The real sticking point is likely to be whether Balotelli would be interested in a return to England. With such an affordable price tag on his head, the 23-year-old would surely find a glut of offers from clubs around Europe.

The verdict
It may come down to a question of style and temperament for Arsene Wenger, should he be forced to choose between the two. At £20m, Balotelli could be one of the bargains of the summer for any club, especially one in need of a world-class striker such as Arsenal. The issue of his occasional petulance makes him a massive risk however, and one that Wenger may not be willing to take.

Alternatively, in Mandzukic there is a player with five more years in his legs, meaning that his signing would be one for the immediate, rather than the future. Wenger has spoken time and time again about the potential of his signings, rather than moving for players with established talents. Should he decide that now is the time to change tack, then there can be no finer acquisition than Mandzukic.

Arsenal fans, what do you think? Would you prefer Mario Mandzukic or Mario Balotelli? Comment below…