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Manchester City steal march on Arsenal for Mario Gotze
MANCHESTER CITY have already instigated the first move in a bid to land Borussia Dortmund's Mario Gotze.
The 20-year-old has been a constant subject of transfer speculation, with Manchester United also casting an admiring glance.
The attacking midfielder has been in scintillating form this season, and showcased his burgeoning talent during Dortmund's Champions League campaign.
But it seems that City's financial muscle has put Arsenal in the shade.
German publication Kicker claims City's sporting director Txiki Begiristain has conducted talks with Gotze's representatives last month.
They also mention that Gotze has a minimum £34m fee release clause which may prove too steep for the Gunners.
This follows recent reports that Roberto Mancini is in the process of rebuilding his squad, who have all but ceded the Premier League title to bitter adversaries United.
Gotze and Dortmund are in the hat for the Champions League semi-final draw tomorrow after their dramatic victory over Malaga on Tuesday evening.