Borussia Dortmund Confirm £32m Gotze Sale

Despite the transfer window being closed there is still plenty of gossip doing the rounds in the newspapers so we’ll keep you up-to-date with the latest transfer rumours. Today, Bayern Munich sign Mario Gotze.

Bayern Munich have beaten a host of clubs including Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United to the signing of Borussia Dortmund star Mario Gotze, according to Sky Sports News.

The German wonderkid has emerged as one of the top talents in Europe after breaking into the Dortmund first team in 2009 – going on to score 31 goals in 114 appearances so far. The 20-year-old has also become a firm fixture in Joachim Löw’s German national team, scoring 5 in his 22 caps.

His form has alerted clubs in the Premier League with the Express claiming the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United have been strongly linked with a summer move for the attacking midfielder, while Spanish giants Barcelona have also been credited with an interest.

However, they have now received a huge blow with Sky Sports reporting that Borussia Dortmund have confirmed the sale of Gotze to arch rivals Bayern Munich after the Bundesliga champions activated the players £32m release clause.

“Mario Goetze’s agent Volker Struth told us a few days ago that the player wishes to make use of his release clause and on July 1, 2013 move to Bayern Munich,” read the Dortmund statement on their Facebook page.

Borussia chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke admitted the club were devastated to see Gotze leave but insists he’s acted in accordance with the terms of his contract.

“We are obviously disappointed beyond measure, but emphasise that both Mario and his advisers have behaved within the terms of the contract,” he’s quoted as saying by Sky Sports

While the signing of Gotze is a stunning coup from Bayern Munich, the timing of the announcement has to be questioned. The pair are still to meet in the league while both sides remain in the Champions League, with the possibility of a Wembley final between the two German clubs still a possibility, so you’d have thought it would have been best to delay making the announcement until the end of the season.

Read more Arsenal transfer news | Man Utd transfer news

However, no matter what, Bayern have signed one of the best youngsters in Europe and look like they’ve strengthened what is an already formidable squad.

Are Arsenal and United fans disappointed to miss out on Gotze? Get involved in the comments section below.