Arsenal Transfer Rumors: Gunners Hit Hard as Borussia Dortmund Keep Gotze

January is a time of riches and plunder. For Arsene Wenger, it is starting with tremendous disappointment. 

If the Arsenal boss is ever going to get his hands on the prized German midfielder, Mario Gotze, it will have to be at some other time, because Borussia Dortmund is closing their grip. 

The Daily Mail reports Gotze has recommitted himself to another year with the Bundesliga side. Borussia Dortmund sit just three points below German giants Bayern Munich. 

This news hits Wenger, as well as Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who was no doubt looking towards Germany for depth in the midfield. 

The report issues sporting director Michael Zorc has agreed that the young star will stay in Germany for at least another year. That doesn't mean this is the end of it, though. Zorc stated that the 19-year old is staying, but then offered a very costly caveat. 

Zorc did offer that the decision does not lie with Gotze only. The club will sell him for a handsome sum as he mentioned, "'if someone offers a billion euros tomorrow, then you should think about it."

If it hadn't already, that should take Arsenal out of the running considering the need they have for depth in defense. Midfield and pace is always a need, but the Africa Cup of Nations and injuries are taking some much-needed talent from the club. 

The goal for Wenger has to be to ensure another defender, perhaps like French star Aly Cissohko. If you want a price on the talents of Gotze, the report states the club is confident the bidding will one day reach £50 million after the midfielder appreciates in a year. 

Like gold estimates, the German giants are going to bank that Gotze only gets more valuable in the next season. 

After which, Arsenal will be bidding against clubs like Real Madrid. That is where the real headache begins. 

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