Arsenal are putting together a shortlist of strikers to replace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, as the Gabon international edges towards an exit.

After having the captaincy stripped and dropping out of Arsenal’s matchday squads, before heading off early to AFCON, there’s plenty of justification for some speculation surrounding Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s future at the club.

ESPN report that Mikel Arteta has a shortlist of strikers to replace the former captain, with Alexander Isak, Dusan Vlahovic, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Ollie Watkins among them.

Most of the list have already been strongly linked with Arsenal over the last year, but Watkins is perhaps the surprise inclusion.

ESPN claim Arteta is a fan of the Villa man’s playing style, and Arsenal are monitoring him for a summer move. However, there’s been no contact between Arsenal and Villa, and a January move is described as “highly unlikely”.

The Gunners are aware of how expensive it could turn out to be to sign any of the above players, so alternative options are also being considered.

Arsenal may end up having their striker situation thrown into sharper focus if Aubameyang leaves before the summer.

Goal’s Juventus correspondent Romeo Agresti reports that Aubameyang’s camp are claiming to be in contact with the Serie A club.

The striker seemingly wants to return to Italy, where he played with AC Milan.

On the other hand, Agresti adds that everyone at Juventus is denying the claims. That’s not unusual when it comes to transfers, but it’s definitely worth keeping in mind.