Arsenal are apparently prepared for life without Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, with manager Mikel Arteta reportedly putting together a four-man shortlist of possible replacements.
Aubameyang hasn't played for Arsenal since Arteta kicked him out of the squad and took away his captain's armband due to a disciplinary issue.
The 32-year-old has been absent from Arsenal's previous five games and is currently training with Gabon's national team ahead of the upcoming African Cup of Nations.
With Aubameyang's Arsenal tenure probably coming to an end, ESPN reports that the Gunners are looking ahead and have narrowed down their striker target list to only four individuals. Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins and Everton attacker Dominic Calvert-Lewin are among the targets.
Watkins, a lifelong Arsenal supporter, has 21 goals in 55 appearances for Villa since joining them last season.
Arteta is claimed to be impressed by his ability to play in a variety of positions as well as his playing style.
Calvert-Lewin started the season well for Everton, scoring three goals in as many games, but has been sidelined since suffering a fractured toe.
Dusan Vlahovic of Fiorentina is also on the shortlist, as he is one of Europe's most in-demand strikers at the moment, having scored 18 goals in 20 games for the Italian team this season. The forward's current contract expires in 18 months, and he has no intention of staying with the Italian club.
Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak, who impressed for Sweden at Euro 2020, is Arteta's final aim.
Last season, Isak scored 17 league goals, but this season he has only seven goals in 21 games in all competitions.
Arteta may struggle to sign any of the players during the January transfer window, forcing him to wait until the summer. Alexandre Lacazette, who is in the final year of his contract, might possibly leave Arsenal at the end of the season.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0