Arsenal compile list of attacking targets in case of Aubameyang departure

Arsenal have identified four attacking players they could target in the upcoming transfer window if Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leaves. 

The Gunners striker has still not agreed to new terms despite months of negotiations. Reports state that Arsenal are readying an offer that will see his wages increase by £50,000 as they attempt to finally convince him to put pen to paper.

But if the club can’t tie him down, they may have to sell in the coming months. That is to avoid losing him on a free when his contract expires next summer.

If that does prove to be the case, then they will have to look to replace their top goal scorer. And a story in the Daily Express claims the North London club have prepared for that eventuality.

They say that Mikel Arteta has put together a shortlist of two strikers and two wingers who could take his place.

Raul Jimenez sits at the top of that, with the Wolves talisman attracting plenty of interest. His 17 league goals have fired his side to a club record Premier League points tally of 59 in 2019/20. A win at Chelsea on Sunday will also see them qualify for the Europa League.

Manchester United are also understood to be interested in the Mexican. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could move for the 29-year-old as he looks to strengthen his squad ahead of next season.

Next on the list is Lyon frontman Moussa Dembele. The Frenchman has been tipped to leave the Ligue 1 club after another year of hot form in front of goal.

Dembele would differ to Aubameyang in that he is an out and out forward, but he would certainly offer a huge goal threat. The 24-year-old could cost upwards of £60million though, which could be a stumbling block.

His teammate Memphis Depay is a more versatile option. The Dutchman is able to play across the front line and in attacking midfield.

Since his disappointing spell at Manchester United, Depay has rediscovered his form, netting 53 times in 134 games for Lyon. He has also assisted a further 43 goals in that time.

The Gunners have reportedly already seen a bid rejected for Depay after falling short of Lyon’s valuation.

The final player said to be under consideration is Newcastle Allan-Saint Maximin. The winger struggled for consistency in the first half of the season, but was in great shape when the season resumed.

He scored once and registered three assists to help the Magpies secure survival before a slight injury halted his progress.

Having only signed last summer, it is unclear whether he would be allowed to leave the North East. Saint-Maximin’s contract runs until 2025.

ARSENAL MAN OUT OF FA CUP FINAL

Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi has been ruled out for the rest of the season through injury.

That means the German will be absent for his team’s final league game with Watford, as well as the FA Cup final.

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