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Mario Mandzukic will NOT be returning to Wolfsburg this summer, the club has confirmed.

Reports in Germany had gathered pace overnight on Friday that the Croatian was close to sealing a return to his former-club.

But a board member from Die Wolfe has insisted such suggestions are wide of the mark and "emphatically" rejected talk of a move.

"Mandzukic will not return to Wolfsburg," Stephan Gruhsem told German football magazine Kicker.

The news will come as a boost to Arsene Wenger and Arsenal who are known admirers of the 28-year-old front man.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is also believed to be keen, but has his focus on securing Diego Costa first which could leave the way clear for the Gunners.

Despite a record of better than a goal every other game - 48 in 88 Bayern appearances - Mandzukic has already decided his future lies away from the Allianz Arena.

(Image: Reuters)

Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski is on his way in to provide stiff competition while Mandzukic himself has cited differences with boss Pep Guardiola as another reason for him walking away.

"I never thought it would happen like this, but let's be honest, I do not correspond with the style of game that Guardiola wants to play," he said.

"After the first game with Real Madrid [in the Champions League semi-finals] I definitely realised that no matter what happened I could not be at my best.

"Because of this, I think it is best that we part company."

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