ARSENAL are bracing themselves for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s exit this summer.
The striker is out of contract in 2021 and Mikel Arteta could be forced to cash in at the end of the season with Manchester United, Chelsea, Barcelona and Inter Milan all keen.
Arsenal look likely to lose Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this summerCredit: Getty Images
Aubameyang wants Champions League football next season and has no intention of sticking around for another year of Europa League action at the Emirates.
Here, SunSport looks at five potential replacements for the Gunners captain this summer.
ANTOINE GRIEZMANN
Barcelona look set to sell Antoine Griezmann after just one seasonCredit: Getty Images
BARCELONA look set to offload the Frenchman less than a year after signing him for £107million from Atletico Madrid.
The World Cup winner, 29, has scored just 14 times in 37 appearances this season.
But Griezmann is still regarded as one of the best around and would be a fine replacement for Aubameyang.
ODSONNE EDOUARD
Odsonne Edouard has been in great form at Celtic this termCredit: Alamy Live News
THE former Paris Saint-Germain youngster has been in stunning form for Celtic this term, netting 28 times in just 45 games.
Edouard, 22, is reckoned to be valued at £30m by the Scottish giants.
But Arsenal would have to compete with both Everton and Leicester for Edouard’s coveted signature.
MAURO ICARDI
PSG will not be making Mauro Icardi’s loan from Inter Milan permanentCredit: AFP or licensors
PSG will not be signing Argentine on a permanent deal from Inter Milan this summer after he reportedly fell out with boss Thomas Tuchel.
Even so, Icardi has still managed 20 goals in all competitions this season, while 124 goals across six seasons at Inter proves he is one of football’s finest finishers.
However, Arsenal would have to pay around £65m for the 27-year-old, who is said to prefer a return to Italy with either Juventus or AC Milan.
DRIES MERTENS
Dries Mertens is set to leave Napoli on a free this summerCredit: Reuters
THE Belgian, 32, came close to joining Chelsea in January before deciding to remain at Napoli until the end of the season.
Mertens’ contract expires this summer, which means Arsenal wouldn’t have to pay a penny.
And his ability to play as a striker, winger or midfield playmaker means Mertens could be a good flexible option for Arteta.
OLIVIER GIROUD
Olivier Giroud could fancy an emotional return to the EmiratesCredit: AFP or licensors
STILL held in high regard by Arsenal fans, Giroud looks set to leave Chelsea on a free transfer two-and-a-half years after swapping the Emirates for Stamford Bridge.
He is still a top-class target man who had just become a key figure in Frank Lampard’s starting XI before the season was halted by coronavirus.
Giroud would love to stay in London, having been linked with Spurs in January, and would surely jump at the chance to return to his old stomping ground.
Arsenal impose travel ban on entire squad after postponing training amid coronavirus outbreak
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
