Man Utd join Arsenal FC in race to sign Mario Goetze - report

Manchester United are reportedly ready to enter the race to sign Borussia Dortmund playmaker Mario Goetze, who is a target for Arsenal.

Mario Goetze

Reports in recent days have suggested Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is ready to launch a bid for the highly-rated midfielder, with the Daily Mail reporting on Saturday that the Gunners are willing to smash the club’s current transfer record to sign him in January.

A number of clubs from across Europe are keen on signing the 19-year-old, with Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Real Madrid all believed to be monitoring developments at the Westfalenstadion.

But according to Caughtoffside.com, Premier League champions United are considering making a bid for the Germany international.

Goetze last week hinted at a possible move away from Dortmund after admitting he was unhappy with officials in the Bundesliga, and although that implied he was looking to seek a move away from Germany, he has also refused to rule out a possible move to rivals Bayern Munich, who have been linked with him throughout the year.

While his agent, Volker Struth, moved quickly to play down his comments, Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke recently admitted he would hold talks with the player if he let it be known he wanted to leave the club.

"We always had the impression that Mario was happy with us," said Watzke recently.

"If that might no longer be the case by 2012, we will have to talk. 

"We will talk with Mario to find out if there is a change in his attitude."