- Arsenal have had a bid rejected for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
- Here’s our suggestion for five strikers the Gunners could go after instead
- Could Arsenal try a controversial transfer raid on their rivals?
- MORE: Arsene Wenger explains how Alexis Sanchez’s exit helped Arsenal against Chelsea
- MORE: Video: Forward fuels Arsenal transfer speculation after being spotted at the Emirates for Chelsea cup victory
Arsenal may have to start thinking about alternatives to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as a transfer move for the Borussia Dortmund striker hits complications.
According to Sky Sports, the Gunners have had their latest bid for the Gabon international rejected by the Bundesliga giants, putting them in a difficult position with less than a week to go until the January transfer window deadline.
While Aubameyang would be a fine replacement for Manchester United new-boy Alexis Sanchez, Arsenal may need to cast the net a little wider, and we’ve got some suggestions for them for potential realistic targets.
It remains to be seen if Arsenal do have a Plan B, but they’d do well to consider any one of these five strikers from the Premier League, Serie A and Ligue 1…
Jamie Vardy (Leicester City)
Recently approached by Manchester United, according to the Telegraph, Leicester City would supposedly ask for around £35million for Jamie Vardy.
BBC Sport reported in the summer of 2016 that Vardy rejected an offer to join Arsenal, but could they do well to back in for the England international now?
Vardy has had another prolific season in front of goal and could shine in a team that creates as many chances as Arsenal, even if he’d likely only be a short-term solution up front.
Mauro Icardi (Inter Milan)
Recently mentioned as a surprise target for Arsenal by Gianluca Di Marzio, there’s certainly a lot of sense in targeting a move for the in-form Inter Milan hit-man Mauro Icardi.
The Argentina international has 18 goals in 21 Serie A matches this season, and would surely shine in this Arsenal side, even if he’d likely be expensive.
Di Marzio claim he has a mammoth release clause, and there’s little need for Inter to sell in the middle of the season, but fans would certainly love to see their club make a statement by going all out for him now, or even waiting until the summer to eventually get this huge deal over the line.
Dries Mertens (Napoli)
Having only recently signed a new contract at Napoli, Dries Mertens is perhaps a fanciful target, but he’s been one of Europe’s most lethal forwards in recent times.
The Belgium international spent much of his career playing as a winger but relished his new role up front last season, scoring 34 goals in 45 games for Napoli.
The 30-year-old has started with a further 15 in all competitions so far this term, and looks ideally suited to the way Arsenal play.
Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
The Sun recently linked Sergio Aguero with a possible Manchester City exit, and it does seem he’s no longer quite seen as the top dog at the Etihad Stadium.
The prolific Argentine has been in and out of the side since Pep Guardiola brought in Gabriel Jesus as competition up front, so could Arsenal try an audacious swoop?
There’s no doubt it would be a challenging deal, but the Gunners could benefit hugely from a proven striker of his experience and pedigree, and given his age he may be reasonably affordable.
Mariano (Lyon)
A slightly rogue option, but Mariano has got off to a superb start at Lyon this season since arriving from Real Madrid in the summer.
The 24-year-old was brought in to replace Alexandre Lacazette as he left for Arsenal, but has out-performed the Frenchman this season with 15 goals in all competitions.
It seems only a matter of time before bigger clubs take a look at him again, so Arsenal could do well to pounce quickly if the Aubameyang deal falls through.