Arsenal are yet to make a signing this transfer window, but with striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang set to leave, this move could be the biggest hint yet that the club have something up their sleeves for today.
As reported by the Athletic, FC Barcelona are close to bringing the Gabon international to Catalonia on a loan deal until the end of the season, a transfer that will leave Arsenal’s striker options down to just two players.
With Alexandre Lacazette set to leave at the end of the season and Eddie Nketiah potentially also off today, a striker is needed for Mikel Arteta’s side. And with Aubameyang close to departing, something has to give for Arsenal.
Today could prove to be the most decisive day in Gunners’ season. Fans, pundits and neutral supporters all agree that a striker is needed for Arsenal, and Aubameyang’s departure could indicate that something major is in the works.
Arsenal could resolve striker problem today
With Aubameyang costing Arsenal a reported £55m as per BBC Sport in 2018, replacing the attacker will be no mean feat. However, it isn’t out of the realm of possibility that the Gunners have someone lined up on deadline day.
Speculation has intensified over the past few days over Alexander Isak, who has been spotted in London and is a player who has a release clause that could be activated by Arsenal if they’re looking for a quick-fix transfer.
Indeed, whilst it is likely that a major Arsenal move would have been reported by now, there is a chance that something is being kept under wraps. After all, Calum Chambers left the Gunners out of the blue on Thursday.
Moreover, last season saw Arsenal unexpectedly sign Mat Ryan on loan from Brighton, a transfer that not one major publication reported before the move was announced. And a similar situation could occur today.
Arteta and Edu know Arsenal must make transfers in the coming hours
Frustration will no doubt be at its peak throughout today amongst Arsenal fans. Yet Mikel Arteta and Edu will be aware that they must pull something out of the magic hat to not only improve their squad but to also ensure the Gunners stay in the race for top-four.
Arsenal find themselves in a position very few would have thought they would be in at the start of the season. And failing to make any signings today could all but throw away any hope fans have of the Gunners claiming an unprecedented UEFA Champions League finish in the standings.
With Aubameyang set to leave, movement must be in the works in the red half of north London. And both Arteta and Edu know that they have to do something today if they are to inject new hope into the Arsenal fanbase.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
