Arsenal considering this French forward as Aubameyang replacement

Aubameyang could yet leave Arsenal, and the Gunners have identified a repacement.

While the 31-year-old could end up staying in North London, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is lining up replacements if he doesn’t.

Arsenal’s performances this season will certainly not help them hold on to the former Dortmund star, with the FA Cup final against Chelsea their last chance of salvaging silverware. The final will also be their only hope of European qualification after their 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa earlier this week.

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Reports earlier this month have suggested that Aubameyang would need a new three-year deal worth £250,000-a-week to stay at the Emirates.

A contract renewal could hinge on Arsenal’s ability to offload Mesut Ozil as well, who is currently earning £350,000 but has made only 18 appearances in the league this season.

Even though it seems unlikely, Alexandre Lacazette could be on his way out as well, and Arsenal have identified Celtic’s Odsonne Edouard as a possible replacement.

The Frenchman, who came through PSG’s academy, joined the Scottish champions from Toulouse to replace the outgoing Moussa Dembele, and has been a prolific goalscorer in the Premiership.

This season has been his best one yet, scoring 22 goals and providing 9 assists. Edouard is a strong striker who is good at linking play and finishing, and he’s similar to Lacazette in a lot of ways.

Amidst interest from several European clubs including Borussia Dortmund, RB Salzburg and Lyon, Celtic boss Neil Lennon admitted that while he wanted Edouard to stay, he could be allowed to leave for the right price.

Arsenal are the current favorites to sign the youngster, having developed a good relationship with Celtic after signing Kieran Tierney last summer. The Scottish left back was the club’s record outgoing transfer.

Even if Aubameyang and Lacazette end up staying, Edouard might a shrewd investment considering the former’s age. He is not likely to cost more than £40 million, and his improving numbers indicate that his valuation is only going to increase in the coming years.