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Wenger Leading Gomez Chase?

Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger is leading the chase to sign Stuttgart striker Mario Gomez according to reports.

Gomez, 22, currently plays for Stuttgart and is making a huge name for himself in the Bundesliga. Last year he was voted the German player of the year and this season he is currently the second highest top scorer in the Bundesliga, behind Luca Toni, having scored 18 goals in 23 appearances.

His goals have brought him to the attention of Wenger and the young striker is thought to be interesting the Arsenal manager who is looking to bolster his strike force.

Although Arsene Wenger already has plenty of attacking options at the club with Adebayor, Van Persie, Bendtner, Eduardo and Walcott it is believed he is keen to add another striker after seeing his side fall short in the hunt for trophies this season due to injuries.

Eduardo will miss the start of the new season and Van Persie has also had an injury interrupted career so far. The Arsenal futures of Bendtner and Adebayor are also subject to speculation whereas Walcott, still just a teenager, is still somewhat raw. All of which has prompted Wenger’s interest in Gomez.

Gomez, who despite the Spanish sounding name – his father is Spanish but his mother German, has already broken into the German national side. The striker will be looking to make an impact this summer at Euro 2008 and if he does, no doubt his price tag will rocket.

Therefore Wenger will be keen to move quickly in order to get his man. If he does it may help quieten the first mutterings of discontent at the Emirates which have arisen following the departure of Matthieu Flamini to AC Milan and the continued speculation over the future of Alexandr Hleb.

Goal.com - Arsenal - Wenger Leading Gomez Chase?