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Arsenal have some big decisions to ponder regarding some of their options in attack ahead of the January transfer window, as highlighted by various reports.

The Gunners are already facing time-critical situations with Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah. Both their contracts expire at the end of the season. For differing reasons, they may be inclined to move elsewhere.

Lacazette remains important for the club, but renewing his contract may not be worthwhile financially. Nketiah, on the other hand, is not getting the regular gametime he feels he deserves.

But even with those two facing uncertain futures that will likely take them away from the Emirates Stadium, two of the other players they are competing with have now also been tipped to find solutions elsewhere.

First, Football.London report that Arsenal could consider loaning out Folarin Balogun in January.

The New York-born England youth international signed a long-term contract in April. This season, though, he is yet to complete 90 minutes despite making three appearances in all competitions.

Afraid his development may be stalling, a loan could be helpful when the winter transfer window opens.

No potential suitors are yet identifiable, nor what kind of level Arsenal would be looking to send him to. It is something they will have to weigh up if his situation has not changed in a few months’ time.

Opportunities may be limited compared to last season due to a lack of European football on offer. It was in the Europa League that he made his senior debut last season. But he will have to hope for chances in domestic competitions instead this term.

If they do not arrive, he may be sent elsewhere on temporary terms.

Arsenal also debating Martinelli future

Someone else who could be considering a future away from Arsenal – perhaps more permanently – is Gabriel Martinelli.

That’s according to the Daily Mirror, who predict that Martinelli may also grow unsettled after also failing to complete a full match across four appearances so far this term.

The Brazilian looked a top talent when Arsenal brought him to the Premier League in 2019. However, a serious injury halted his progress. A transfer away may help him regain his confidence.

The Mirror‘s write-up points out how Arsenal have also added plenty of options in attacking midfield, another position in which Martinelli could cover. He thus faces a battle to find a regular home anywhere in the lineup.

Martinelli only featured once in the block of games between the September and October international breaks, and that was in an EFL Cup game against AFC Wimbledon.

The 20-year-old has been noted for his eagerness to play by Mikel Arteta before. Therefore, he may be pushing for opportunities in games of bigger stature. If Arsenal cannot provide him that, he could seek an exit.

Arsenal will thus have to weigh up how best to manage the situation. With four of their strikers seeking an exit, they could be left short in a crucial area. It seems unlikely they would let all leave at once, so they must work out who to stick with in support of main man Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

READ MORE ~ Paper Talk: Arteta backed with two Prem hitmen touted to replace Arsenal pair

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