Barcelona have reportedly identified Arsenal striking duo Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette as transfer targets this month.
The Catalan giants are hopeful of bolstering their frontline after Lionel Messi’s stunning exit earlier this month and are said to be in the market for new forwards.
Both Aubameyang and Lacazette missed the Gunners opening Premier League campaign of the campaign through injury as their side crashed to a two-goal defeat at Brentford on Friday evening.
A report from Catalan media outlet Diario Sport has now outlined that the two forwards are on the Blaugrana’s radar, even if this is in conflict to reports of their financial hardships.
The future of Gunners captain Aubameyang appeared to have been put to bed a year ago when the Gabonese striker put pen to paper on a new contract in North London.
The 32-year-old has in the past suggested that this would be an unlikely move and that the Camp Nou would not be his favoured destination.
Aubameyang previously said when he was on the books at Borussia Dortmund that the only club he would leave the Bundesliga side for would be Real Madrid - the fierce El Clasico rivals of Barca.
The striker said, as per Fotmob : "The only club I would leave Dortmund for are Real Madrid. If they don't come calling, I don't leave.
"My grandfather, the dad of my mum, always wished that I would play in Spain. Two years ago, when he died, I promised him that someday I will play for Real - and I work hard to reach that goal.
"Real Madrid is my main goal but at the moment I like it in Dortmund. If there is a chance to go to Madrid, I will say immediately yes - but at the moment there is no contact."
Should Arsenal cash-in on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang? Comment below
The feasibility of the report linking Barca with the Arsenal forwards may also come under scrutiny due to the current situation of the Catalan club.
They were only able to register new signings Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia on Saturday, less than 24 hours before their La Liga campaign got underway, due to pay cuts agreed by the club’s captains.
The arrivals of Memphis and Sergio Aguero this summer mean that Ronald Koeman’s side are not short of attacking options.
Antoine Griezmann and Martin Braithwaite were among the starters against Real Sociedad on Sunday, with Ousmane Dembele, Ansu Fati and Phillipe Coutinho among those on the sidelines.
Without further exits it is unlikely that the club will be able to fund any further squad investment.
Do you want an exclusive pre-season preview of YOUR club - both in your inbox and through your letterbox? Head over here to find out more and secure your copy .
