Manchester United and Arsenal have been dealt a blow in their respective pursuits of Borussia Dortmund playmaker Mario Gotze.
Dortmund general manager Hans-Joachim Watzke has dismissed the idea of a prospective sale, claiming that the German wonderkid is not for sale – despite the £22m rumoured offers from both Premier League clubs.
“No matter which club want him, our answer is always the same,” stated Watzke defiantly.
“Mario is not for sale.”
Manchester United’s pursuit of Gotze stems from their frustration with a lack of progress on Inter Milan star Wesley Sneijder, while Arsenal are looking to replace Cesc Fabregas.
The 19 year-old’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of meteoric.
Having broken into the Borussia Dortmund team upon a team-mate’s injury halfway through last season, Gotze took his chance, and finished the campaign with six goals and 15 assists – as well as 7 international caps.
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