Arsenal look to be out of luck in their pursuit of Real Madrid star Karim Benzema.
Los Merengues manager Rafael Benitez “is sure” that the 27-year-old will stay at the Bernabeu [Sky Sports], leaving the Gunners out in the cold.
As such Arsene Wenger is going to have to look elsewhere, and here five players he could do worse than sign…
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5) Alexandre Lacazette, Lyon
After a brilliant 29 goals in 35 games last season, the 24-year-old could be perfect for the North London club. He brings both goalscoring and a physical presence up front, which is important to how Wenger has his team playing.
4) Marco Reus, Borussia Dortmund
Despite struggling with injuries in the last campaign, the Germany international is still one of the best talents in Europe. Now that Jurgen Klopp has left the Westfalenstadion, could he be tempted away? Liverpool have already been linked by the Daily Mirror.
3) Fernando Llorente, Juventus
Not the most inspiring signing, but the 30-year-old is still good enough to rotate with Olivier Giroud. The former Athletic Bilbao man’s hold-up play would fit in well to how the Gunners play.
2) Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Borussia Dortmund
While BVB were struggling at the foot of the Bundesliga table last season, 26-year-old was one of very few rays of hope. With his lightning pace the Gabon international could be a good change up with Giroud, while being more reliable than Theo Walcott.
1) Edin Dzeko, Manchester City
Proven in the Premier League, and seemingly forever stuck on the bench at the Etihad. Signing the Bosnia international could be as big a coup as bringing Petr Cech to the club from Chelsea, strengthening themselves at the same time as weakening their rivals.