Arsenal target Mario Mandzukic before January deadline

Arsenal are ready to battle Manchester City for the services of Mario Mandzukic as both Premier League clubs prepare an ambitious attempt to sign the Atletico Madrid striker in the final days of the window. The Croatia international has fallen down the first-team pecking order at the Vicente Calderon following the return of Fernando Torres earlier this month, and Arsene Wenger is ready to renew interest in one of his long-term targets - despite the fact he's likely to cost £26m. Mandzukic's departure could prompt Diego Simeone to try and replace him with Napoli marksman Gonzalo Higuain - another player reportedly courted by the Gunners. The Italian club's chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis has insisted he has no intention of selling the Argentine, who has been a big hit in Naples since joining from Real Madrid in 2013. And finally, Arsene Wenger is confident that Arsenal newboy Gabriel Paulista will quickly adapt to the Premier League, claiming his ambition and focus will give him a go