Two Premier League aces among Arsenal four-man shortlist to replace striker

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has drawn up shortlist of four candidates who could all replace either Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang or Alexandre Lacazette, according to a report.

The Gunners have endured an underwhelming campaign this year, and face uncertainty regarding their forward line.

Talismanic superstar Aubameyang has shone despite the club’s struggles, notching 20 goals in the league for the second year running.

His future remains unclear, however, with just one year remaining on his current deal and little progress made on a new contract despite the best efforts of the club.

Fellow frontman Lacazette has also been linked with a departure, and Arteta would need reinforcements should either exit materialise this summer.

Now, according to The Metro, Arteta has drawn up a four-man shortlist of potential replacements as Arsenal prepare ‘for life without’ one of the two strikers.

Citing Le10Sport, the Lyon duo of Moussa Dembele and Memphis Depay are touted, but it is the Premier League pair who are most interesting.

Newcastle maverick Allan Saint-Maximin is linked, having burst onto the scene with a series of breathtaking displays since the restart.

Wolves centre-forward Raul Jimenez is the final player listed, but both he and Saint-Maximin are described as being ‘difficult to prise’ away from their current clubs.

Arteta is expected to be working with a restricted budget in the summer, evidenced by their recent dealings with David Luiz and Cedric Soares.

The notion that Arteta will have to sell before he can buy is referenced, meaning an arrival from the quartet above would only materialise if Aubameyang or Lacazette left first.

Adams blasts Arteta over Ozil treatment

The German playmaker has failed to make an appearance since the Premier League restart. Leading to talk that his time at Arsenal is over.

But Adams has questioned Arteta, claiming it is the Spaniard’s job to get the best out of a very talented player.

Adams told Stadium Astro: “I think I’m going to give him the benefit of the doubt. He’s a very laid-back kind of guy, he doesn’t get too flustered with anything to be honest with you.

“He just goes a little bit – what we would call in our day – going through the motions. But players are very different today, they’re not questioned in training.

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