Arsenal handed Alexander Isak transfer headache to add to Dusan Vlahovic problems

Arsenal’s bid to find a long-term replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang looks set to drag on, with reports suggesting that their chances of signing Alexander Isak have been dealt a setback. Isak is considered one of the main alternatives to Arsenal’s No 1 option Dusan Vlahovic.

Aubameyang was stripped of his captaincy in early December after reporting late to training, with a string of disciplinary issues having plagued his time at the club since signing in January 2018.

The Gabonese international has scored just four league goals for the Gunners this season in what is his worst season yet in a red shirt.

He looks set to depart from the Emirates after a four-year spell amassing 92 goals in 163 games.

But the French-born star’s long-term replacement is unclear, despite Arsenal’s continued interest in Vlahovic and Isak.

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Reports emerged early on in the window that the Gunners were interested in Vlahovic who is valued at around £70million, though the 21-year-old is said to be not completely convinced by the long-term prospects of the club.

If the Serbian was to reject a move to Arsenal, the Londoners would reportedly turn their attention to Isak, who has scored just four goals in 17 league games this season.

But according to Spanish outlet Sport, the Swede prefers a move to Barcelona to join new boss Xavi – and that could see Arsenal miss out on one of their main back-up options to Vlahovic.

Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are adequate options for now, although their contracts are expiring at the end of the season.

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Whether that will involve a striker however is a different question.

“We are expecting some activity because there are some players and a few loans that hopefully we have to complete,” he said.

“But it depends. It’s – as we all know – a very complicated market, and it’s a short window. We will see what happens.”