Arsenal eye Isak after Vlahovic issues

Arsenal have turned their attention to Real Sociedad’s Alexander Isak in their search for a much-needed striker, after a move for Dusan Vlahovic stalled.

The Gunners have been courting Fiorentina’s Vlahovic throughout the January transfer window, and despite agreeing a deal with the Serie A club, the striker appears to have his heart set on a move to Juventus.

With a week of the window left, they have now turned to Isak, according to The Athletic.

After impressing for Real Sociedad over the past two seasons and shining for Sweden at the Euros last summer, Mikel Arteta is keen to bring in the 22-year-old to lead the line at the Emirates.

Isak has scored eight goals in 24 appearances across all competitions this season, but netted 17 in La Liga in 2020/21.

The Sweden international has a release clause of around £60m, but Arteta and technical director Edu would likely try and negotiate a lower fee.

Other strikers remain on Arsenal’s radar, including Lille’s Jonathan David and Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The Evening Standard also reported that Real Madrid have offered the Gunners the chance to sign Luka Jovic on loan until the end of the season, but are yet to receive a response.

Aubameyang unsure of Saudi move 

One striker who could be leaving the Emirates is former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, but Saudi Arabia is an unlikely destination.

The 32-year-old has a loan with a mandatory fee offer from Al-Hilal which Arsenal want him to accept, but he would prefer to stay in Europe.

AC Milan, Sevilla, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, Marseille and Barcelona are all reportedly interested in Aubameyang, who has been exiled and stripped of the captaincy by Mikel Arteta after a number of disciplinary breaches.

Gunners chase rising Serie A star

Arsenal are keen to bring in a midfielder before the transfer deadline, and reports in Italy claim they are chasing Empoli’s Samuele Ricci.

The 20-year-old is a rising star in Serie A and already brings a wealth of experience as he closes in on 100 appearances for the Tuscany-based side.

Ricci has also drawn comparisons to Chelsea and Italy midfielder Jorginho.

The Gunners are also continuing their pursuit of Juventus playmaker Arthur Melo.

Terms have been agreed between the club and Brazilian over a six-month loan deal, but Juve want a long-term solution and are demanding an 18-month loan that includes an option to buy.

Talks will continue between Arsenal and the Old Lady this week, while Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans and Lyon’s Bruno Guimaraes are also on their radar.