Aubameyang out of the fold

Following his latest disciplinary breach, Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been excluded from Arsenal’s first team.

Mikel Arteta has left the Gabonese star, and his former club captain, out of the most recent victories over both Southampton and West Ham United. And, now not training with the first team, it is hard to see a way back for the 32 year old, especially with the Africa Cup of Nations just around the corner.

With both Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah out of contract in the summer too, it is clear that a new striker will be top of Mikel Arteta’s wishlist. And 101 take a look at three players that the Gunners could target.

The Dream: Dusan Vlahovic

Probably the second-most sought-after striker on the planet behind Erling Haaland, Serbian forward Dusan Vlahovic is in high demand.

With his contract expiring in 2023, Fiorentina man Vlahovic has already turned down the option of a new deal with La Viola that would have made him the highest-paid player in their history.

As a result, he is on the market, and Arsenal are just one of many clubs chasing his signature.

However, they may be out of luck when it comes to chasing his signature, with Vlahovic apparently keen to set his sights higher than the Gunners, despite their clear interest in the Fiorentina marksman.

With the Serbian man also likely to be in high demand elsewhere, question marks surround whether Arsenal are best placed to add him to their side, meaning that they could be set to look elsewhere.

The realistic choice: Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Another young Englishman to add to the growing core of Three Lions stars? Dominic Calvert-Lewin is perhaps the most realistic “big” striker that Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar could opt for.

Currently out injured, the 24-year-old netted three goals in three appearances before being sidelined, following up on an impressive 2020-21 season, in which he found the net 16 times in the Premier League.

With the ability to hold the ball up a key factor in Arsenal’s next striker hunt, DCL ticks a lot of boxes, while still only being 24 years old.

It is not beyond the realm of possibility either, with Everton in financial difficulty, and needing to sell.

Would a big bid persuade them to part with their star man?

The wildcard: Jonathan David

Now onto the last option, and it is one that Arsenal have explored before in the shape of Lille man Jonathan David.

The Gunners looked at the Canada forward before he made his move to Ligue 1, while he was still plying his trade in the Belgian top flight, but ultimately chose not to pursue a move for the forward.

They may be wishing they had though.

After netting 11 goals in 18 League games for a struggling Lille side, as well as a further 3 in six Champions League games, his stock has risen considerably so far this campaign.

Arsenal have had a mixed track record in purchasing players from Ligue 1 outfit Lille. While Gabriel has proven a shrewd acquisition, two years on there are still massive question marks surrounding the 72 million pound signing of Nicolas Pepe, who has flattered to deceive and indeed lost his place in the Gunners side recently.

It could, however, prove another smart move to bring in David from a Lille side that are struggling financially and would welcome a big bid from any side. At 21 years old, he would add to the youthful look that Arsenal’s current attacking options have, and be a guaranteed source of goals.

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