Chelsea target Mario Mandzukic is reportedly being forced away from Bayern Munich and is ready for a move to England and the Premier League.
According to Bild, Munich manager Pep Guardiola has said his goodbyes to the striker, who’s transfer to Chelsea could be sorted within days.
Chelsea have been linked with the Croat for the last few weeks as they search for a new frontman, aswell as supposedly agreeing a fee for Atléti striker Diego Costa.
Bild claim that his manager said “I wish you every success with your new club”, as a transfer away from the German champions seems imminent.
Additionally, the striker was left out of Bayern’s 18 man squad for the German Cup final against Borussia Dortmund, despite being a key man for Guardiola’s side, scoring 26 goals in all competitions this season.
Manager Guardiola had this to say on his decision to leave the hitman out the squad for the cup final:
“He was injured, but on the other hand he actually was able to play. I decided to take 18 players with me…Mandzukic was not in the squad.”
The absence of the striker was put down to apparent “technical reasons”, which may suggest it had sprung from a fallout that was reported in January between Mandzukic and his manager.
Bayern’s apparent interest in Chelsea fan favourite David Luiz may also give Mourinho an option in terms of a swap deal for Mandzukic as Luiz may be seen as surplus to requirements for Mourinho next season.
The two players are both valued at a similar level – with both managers looking for £30 million if they are to part ways with their respective men.
An issue that may arise in this transfer is the strikers want for first team action and with Diego Costa set to join the Blues, this surely cannot be something Mourinho can promise Mandzukic.
The striker has also been linked to London rivals Arsenal as well as Champions League finalists Real Madrid.
