Arsenal set to break transfer record for Gotze

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is ready to break the bank to buy Borussia Dortmund's £25 million-rated teenage midfielder Mario Gotze, according to the Daily Mail.

With the Gunners boss making Bundesliga stars Gotze and Cologne striker Lukas Podolski his major targets, Wenger's summer spending spree could rise to £35 million.

Gotze, 19, regarded as one of the brightest stars in Germany is ready for a move to Emirates.

If the deal goes through, Gotze would smash Arsenal's record 2009 purchase of £15m Andrey Arshavin who is on loan at Zenit St Petersburg.

Dortmund turned down an Arsenal bid for Gotze worth more than £20m last summer and are currently talking to the midfielder about extending his deal at the club.

Gotze has been out injured for two months with a groin injury but he is expected to feature in Germany's Euro 2012 squad.

He is understood to be keen to join Arsenal, who entertain Newcastle in the Barclays Premier League on Monday.

If Wenger can pull off the transfer it will be a major coup for the club and represent a huge vote of confidence by owner Stan Kroenke in the Frenchman's ability to rebuild.

It is also hoped that the Podolski and Gotze deals will help persuade Robin van Persie to commit his future to the club.
 

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