Arsenal Transfer News: James Milner, Mario Mandžukić And More Targets

Milner, Mandžukić And More Arsenal Transfer Targets

Arsenal have won a trophy. It was not the Premier League nor the Champions League, but they have won a trophy, finished fourth and can now kick on and end another drought - their decade-long wait for a title.

The Gunners are currently experiencing their longest period without a championship since the 18 years between 1971 and Michael Thomas' charge through the middle at Anfield in '89. Arsène Wenger will sign a new three-year contract soon, following eight players inking new deals with the club over the last 18 months.

Now their manager's future is secure, Arsenal need to use the FA Cup win as a springboard. Unsurprisingly, they are linked with numerous players in the Monday papers.

Milner has won the title twice with Manchester City

James Milner makes the Times' back page splash, although Liverpool are also interested in the Yorkshireman. Manchester City are prepared to offer the dogged midfielder a new four-year contract - Milner is one homegrown player worth keeping - however the 28-year-old apparently wants to leave the Etihad Stadium.

Arsenal are expected to make a £10 million offer this week for Milner, who joined City for £26m in 2010.

Bayern Munich striker Mario Mandžukić, miserable all season ahead of Robert Lewandowski's arrival in the summer, was left out of the squad for Saturday's German Cup final with Borussia Dortmund, which signalled the death knell for his two years in Bavaria.

"He was injured, but on the other hand he actually was able to play," Bayern boss Pep Guardiola said. "But I decided to take 18 players with me. And Mandžukić is not in the squad."

Arsenal v Hull City - FA Cup Final

Wenger celebrates FA Cup win

Arsenal need a striker, Bayern will sell...

An alternative option is Karim Benzema, providing Real Madrid sign a Galáctico in the close season, like Luis Suárez. Benzema was, along with Suárez and Gonzalo Higuaín, linked with Arsenal on what seemed like a daily basis last year until Wenger decided not to bother with a striker at all.

Talking of last year, Arsenal had a bid rejected by Bayer Leverkusen for Lars Bender but they could be back in for the Germany international. If Arsenal are to mount a credible Premier League title challenge, it isn't going to happen with Mikel Arteta as the holding midfielder and Bender would represent an upgrade.

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