UK: 18+ USA: 21+ | Begambleaware.org | T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could well be on the hunt for a striker in the January transfer window. That comes amid the uncertain future of Gunners forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The Gabon international recently lost the captaincy at the club due to a disciplinary breach. And his future in north London is now in doubt. But he is not the only one.
Fellow forward Alexandre Lacazette could also be on his way. His contract expires in the summer, and he looks set to be on the move after struggling to get into Arteta’s starting XI.
And young striker Eddie Nketiah has already decided against signing a new contract. That is according to the Mirror. Aubameyang meanwhile has been linked with moves to Juventus and Barcelona.
Who then, have the Gunners identified as a replacement for their former leading man? Here are four strikers Arteta could target:
Dušan Vlahović
Unfortunately for Arsenal, a whole host of top European clubs are also eyeing Vlahović’s signature. That’s because the 21-year-old has 18 goals in 20 appearances this season. He leads the way in Serie A with 16.
Moreover, he recently equalled Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 33 Serie A goals in 2020. The youngster scored his 33rd of this calendar year against Sassuolo on Sunday. Interestingly, the Serbian looks set to be available. He has rejected a new contract with the Italian outfit.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Calvert-Lewin’s name has not been mentioned very much so far in this campaign. That’s because he has been suffering from a fractured toe since September. He simply hasn’t had the chance to show off his full ability this season.
Fortunately, the footballing world is already well aware of exactly what he can do. The striker netted 16 league goals last time out, and 13 the season before. Even if more proof was needed, he has scored three times in the three matches he managed at the beginning of this season.
Darwin Núñez
Benfica striker Núñez is another who is enjoying a stunning season. Unfortunately for the Gunners, he is another who is on the radar of several top clubs. The Uruguayan boasts 18 goals in 21 appearances this season.
Three of those strikes have come in the Champions League. Two came against Barcelona, with the other arriving against Bayern Munich. He can definitely mix it with the big boys in Europe. And that is something Arsenal will be looking for as they seek that fourth-place finish in the Premier League.
Gabriel Martinelli
Perhaps Arteta does not even need to look elsewhere for an Aubameyang replacement. That is because young forward Martinelli may be the club’s next leading man. The 20-year-old has struggled to find a place in the starting XI in recent months. But lately he has been given the chance to show what he can do.
And he hasn’t disappointed. The Brazilian netted twice in the 4-1 victory against Leeds on Saturday. He now has four goals and two assists in his last six league matches. Could Martinelli be the man Arteta turns to in the second half of the campaign? He is certainly the cheapest option.
Subscribe to Punditfeed on Google News for all the latest updates from the world of sports!
