ARSENAL are facing the prospect of losing club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Barcelona in a £40million move this month.
With just a few days left in the January window, the Gunners may need to react quickly if they lose their star striker.
How Arsenal could line up with Dayot Upamecano
Mikel Arteta has a host of gaping holes in his current squad, but has thus far not been given the funds to make his first signing as boss.
His current crop is a hangover from the previous reigns of Arsene Wenger and Unai Emery.
But losing Aubameyang may not be the end of the world, as Arteta will be able to reinvest the £40m gained in his squad.
The most likely outcome for Arsenal is that they decide to shore up the defensive ranks.
The most-recent starting duo – due to a crippling injury-crisis – of David Luiz and Shkodran Mustafi is an accident waiting to happen.
Actually, it’s numerous accidents waiting to happen.
With Rob Holding and Sokratis Papastathopoulos out injured, Arteta would be best advised to bring in a solid centre-back.
And for £40m there’s arguably no better option than Red Bull Leipzig ace Dayot Upamecano.
The French star, 21, is already a regular starter, but is also a great investment for the future.
With Arsenal’s full-back spots sorted, when Kieran Tierney and Hector Bellerin are fully fit, it’s the heart of the defence that needs the most help.
LAC-ING FIREPOWER
How Arsenal could line-up with Moussa Dembele
However, with Alexandre Lacazette struggling for form up front, Arteta may opt for a one-out, one-in approach and sign a striker.
Arsenal are already battling Chelsea and Manchester United for Lyon star Moussa Dembele.
The former Celtic striker has been in red-hot form in recent months and would be a superb addition.
But, the Upamecano deal should be the priority still for the Gunners.
After all, 18-year-old forward Gabriel Martinelli has proven he has bags of potential.
Aubameyang 8/1 to join Barcelona
WILL Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang be off to the Nou Camp this month?
The rumour mill is churning into overdrive that the Arsenal ace could be off.
Ladbrokes have priced the deal at 8/1.
Fancy a flutter? Click here to head to Ladbrokes.
Often deployed on the left-wing, the Brazilian could easily be given a chance to lead the line for the rest of the season.
A bit of experience in the next few months – with Arsenal’s season over, languishing in tenth – could be crucial, looking forward.
The Gunners currently have just 30 points from their first 24 games, level on points with Everton, Newcastle, Crystal Palace and Burnley.
Mikel Arteta refuses to comment on any future transfers at Arsenal
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
