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Arsenal forwards Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have been added to a list of potential striking options for Barcelona, it has been claimed.

Both joined the north London club in the 2017/18 season. Lacazette was bought from Lyon in the summer prior to the season getting underway, whilst Aubameyang arrived in the winter transfer window. The latter has impressed the most out of the two, netting 20 goals more in 22 less appearances.

However, neither have been entirely convincing in the past year, leading to the Gunners perceiving them to be expendable.

Aubameyang, 32, has two years left on his current deal, whilst Lacazette, 30, has just one years remaining on his contract.

Therefore, the door is open for both of their departures this summer. And the Spanish giants could yet take one of them from the Emirates before the window closes.

That’s because according to Sport, both men feature on a shortlist of potential replacements for their current number nine Martin Braithwaite.

Braithwaite is not favoured by manager Ronald Koeman. The Dutchman admitted he wanted another striker in his pre-match press conference for today’s match against Real Sociedad.

However, with the club in such financial difficulties, they cannot buy unless they first offload.

West Ham have targeted Braithwaite this summer. Reports at the end of last month said they had a bid accepted, although these were soon denied. 

Discussion surrounding the move has since gone quiet. Even if the move goes ahead, Barca will still only be able to afford a swap deal for any replacement.

The report claims the Gunners would be open to this form of transfer for both Aubameyang and Lacazette.

However, it remains to be seen which player, if any, from Koeman’s squad Mikel Arteta would be interested in taking in exchange.

What’s more, Sport also state that both players would be willing to go to the Nou Camp. Therefore, it seems there could be high potential for one of them to make the move if a buyer for Braithwaite comes in.

Arsenal prepare for life after duo

Meanwhile, Arsenal are already looking to secure their next goalscorer, and one who is much more youthful than either of their current stars.

A report has claimed they have finalised a big contract offer for Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez. This comes after their dismal opening day loss to Brentford.

The Gunners faced the Premier League newcomers in the season’s curtain raiser on Friday evening. It was a nightmare start for manager Mikel Arteta, who faces high expectations for the campaign from the club’s supporters. 

The disappointing opener has seemingly prompted the club to accelerate their business in the transfer market…

READ MORE: Arsenal fast track huge contract offer for attacker after dismal opening loss

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