It appears the Gunners have been dealt a “major blow” in the hunt for one of their top targets this summer window. After monitoring Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette for the past few months, and even submitting a formal offer for the French forward, Olympique Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas says it's not likely the striker will leave the club before the close of the summer transfer market. Aulas said, “I don't think that Lacazette will want to leave Lyon this summer.” Alexandre Lacazette may still leave the French club this summer, but not until the January 2018 transfer market when La Liga outfit Atletico Madrid are expected to sign Lacazette at the end of their transfer ban.
So with a possible deal for the French striker almost off the table, who could the Gunners move to sign this summer window? Here's a look at the three attackers alternatives for Arsenal.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang — Borussia Dortmund
It is suggested that Borussia Dortmund talisman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is set to depart Germany for China, with Tianjin Quanjin close to agreeing on a £70m deal for the Gabon international. However, Arsenal have been a long term “admirers” of the 28-year-old forward and could go after for him if Alexandre Lacazette transfer is off the table. it appears the reasons the Gabon striker is heading to China is because Tianjin Quanjin are offering the biggest deal, but Arsenal could still capture him if they eventually match the financial terms.
Kylian Mbappe — AS Monaco
The 18-year-old in-demand forward is known to be at the top of Arsene Wenger's wish-list, though the French manager is rivaling La Liga giants Real Madrid for the AS Monaco teen sensation signature. Arsenal has an advantage as Mbappe would be guaranteed first-team football at the Emirates, while the France international would've to deal with being a “rotation option” at Real Madrid.
As Monaco are demanding more than $144.9million for the forward and missing out on Alexandre Lacazette means Arsene Wenger can apparently divert all his transfer funds into a formal offer for the 18-year-old prospect.
Andrea Belotti — Torino
Belotti is another striker wanted by both Manchester United and Arsenal FC. However, with United looking to complete a deal for Alvaro Morata in the coming days.
Wenger could have a free run at Belotti. Serie A club Torino will be forced to sell the Italy striker if a club eventually matches the $133.3million buy-out clause in his current contract, though, it was speculated in May that the Gunners were only willing to make a “maximum bid” of $68.5million now that Alexandre Lacazette isn't an option anymore. Perhaps, Arsene Wenger may decide to splash the cash on the Torino forward.
