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Arsenal face ‘last resort’ in striker transfer search after Dusan Vlahovic ‘smokescreen’


Arsenal’s hopes of signing Fiorentina’s Dusan Vlahovic have been dashed and they will struggle to buy Alexander Isak, Dominic Calvert-Lewin or Ollie Watkins before deadline day

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Arteta gives update on Arsenal’s transfer plans ahead of Deadline Day

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Arsenal are struggling to sign a striker before the transfer deadline on January 31.

The Gunners are on the hunt for a new talisman after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was stripped of the captaincy in December.

He hasn’t played since losing the armband, although manager Mikel Arteta may be forced to accept his “last resort” and restore the Gabon international to the squad.

Both Juventus and Barcelona are interested in signing Aubameyang on loan this month, although it’s unclear whether Arsenal deem their respective offers reasonable.

Fiorentina ace Dusan Vlahovic – Arteta’s main striker target – is on the verge of joining Juventus after his agent didn’t even listen to Arsenal’s offer.

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Who should Arsenal sign in January? Let us know in the comments below!

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hasn’t played for the Gunners since December
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And Dominic Calvert-Lewin – the Spaniard’s alternative option – is set to stay with Everton until the end of the season as they look to survive the threat of Premier League relegation.

According to ESPN, Arteta will try to patch up his relationship with Aubameyang – at least until the end of the season – if Arsenal can’t get a striker through the door.

The Gunners are said to be frustrated with Vlahovic’s camp, believing their interest was used as ‘a smokescreen’ to negotiate his proposed move to Juventus.

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Arsenal will continue their search to find a striker, although that’s easier said than done.

It’s believed they will need to spend €90million – around £75m – to land highly-rated Swedish striker Alexander Isak.

That would be a massive gamble, though, as the 22-year-old has scored just four goals in 18 La Liga appearances this term and is yet to enjoy a 20-goal campaign.

Lille star Jonathan David is another possibility, but it’s thought he wants to stay with the French champions until the end of the season.

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The 22-year-old is likely to have several transfer options in the summer, with rumours suggesting Chelsea and Tottenham are both interested in his services.

Arsenal could also make a bid for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, yet the ambitious club would only accept an eye-watering offer for the 26-year-old.

Watkins will also be keen to stay at Villa and play under Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard, who’s recently lured Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Digne to the West Midlands.

In terms of short-term options, Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic is available on loan and former Chelsea ace Diego Costa is a free agent.

Both have questionable disciplinary records, however, which will worry Arteta. Aubameyang was dropped for a “disciplinary breach”.

Mikel Arteta is struggling to sign a striker before the transfer deadline on Monday
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Not only are Arsenal struggling to sign a striker, but they are also striving to keep their current stars at the Emirates.

Stand-in skipper Alexandre Lacazette, 30, is out of contract at the end of the season and is yet to be offered a new contract.

Fellow striker Eddie Nketiah, 22, is in the same situation and it’s believed he’s rejected two renewal offers from the Gunners, with numerous clubs interested in signing him.

Aubameyang has struggled for goals since Arteta was appointed in December 2019.

In his first two years at Arsenal, he found the back of the net 43 times in the Premier League. In the two years that’s followed, however, that number has dropped to 25.

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