• Premier League

Arsenal told to back off Mario Gotze

ESPN staff
November 23, 2011
Mario Gotze has made giant strides for Borussia Dortmund © Getty Images
Enlarge

Arsenal have been warned off Borussia Dortmund's rising star Mario Gotze.

The teenager has admirers queuing up, with Gunners boss Arsene Wenger a confirmed fan of the forward.

Wenger has played down talk of a January bid for Gotze, but the 19-year-old will get the chance to make the Arsenal boss sit up and take note when the Gunners face Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Dortmund are aware of the links with Arsenal, but coach Jurgen Klopp has made it clear that his side will not be forced into a sale.

"Nothing can happen in January," Klopp said. "Arsenal is only about 10 per cent of what is written in Germany so it's not a problem. Apparently Bayern Munich are interested in him.

"Nobody buys a player from Borussia Dortmund just like that. Not even Arsenal."

Gotze claims he has not been distracted by the speculation. He said: "I've heard the rumours from the Premier League - but I never let that affect me. I'm only focused on Dortmund, now more than ever."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices