PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG is reportedly heading a list of potential Barcelona striker targets this month.
The Catalan giants are hoping to capture a new forward this month after Luis Suarez was struck down by a knee injury that could end his season.
The 32-year-old went under the knife around a fortnight ago and replacing him for the second half of the season is an important early task for new boss Quique Setien.
Suarez might now be the wrong side of 30, but has still scored 14 goals this season and will be a big miss.
On the hunt to recruit a new forward, Setien told reporters: “It’s true we’re speaking about it, but we still have to move things on a little bit.
“Everything else has to be studied exhaustively, then we will see what the most convenient [option] is.”
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo claim that Arsenal forward Aubameyang is at the top of Barca’s wishlist this month – but there are a number of targets.
The La Liga leaders are desperate not to sign “another Kevin-Prince Boateng”, they want a striker ready to contribute immediately.
The club’s primary target is Lautaro Martinez of Inter Milan, but privately they know that a deal would be impossible to pull off before the summer.
Edinson Cavani is also available – but the strained relationship with Paris Saint-Germain would all-but rule out a move for Suarez’s international team-mate.
Here are the main names in the frame for a move to the Camp Nou this month.
PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG
Favourite to land the role as Barca’s new number nine, the 30-year-old could be prised from the Emirates before the window shuts next week.
The Gunners are reluctant to lose their skipper and top scorer, but could be convinced to part with him if he pushes to leave the club.
His contract expires at the end of next season, meaning a significant bid could convince Arsenal to sell and allow Mikel Arteta to reinvest elsewhere – particularly with Gabriel Martinelli coming through.
Aubameyang has netted 16 goals in 26 games this season.
RODRIGO MORENO
The Valencia forward fits the right profile to lead the line for Barcelona, with a game based on movement and creativity, rather than physicality.
The 28-year-old could have been let go in the summer when Atletico were in the frame, but a deal failed to materialise.
He would cost around 50million, but a deal may be tricky to finalise mid-season.
Rodrigo has only scored four goals in all competitions this season – but more notably has provided ten assists.
This link-up play could bode well if he is to facilitate the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Lionel Messi.
OLIVIER GIROUD
The 33-year-old Chelsea striker would be an “easy” option for Barcelona.
The Frenchman is keen to leave Stamford Bridge in the hunt for first team football – particularly with his starting spot at Euro 2020 under threat.
Giroud’s Chelsea contract expires at the end of the season, and Frank Lampard isn’t eager to keep him around.
Not a traditional Barca forward by any means, but Setien could be attracted by his experience of linking up with Griezmann at international level.
FERNANDO LLORENTE
Another that would be very easy to sign.
Llorente has grown used to being a bit-part player over the last two-and-a-half years, having played the role of second-fiddle to Harry Kane at Spurs before moving to Napoli in the summer.
Boss Gennaro Gattuso isn’t keen on the 34-year-old and would be willing to let him go this month.
He would be a low maintenance signing for the Catalan club, but usually encourages a direct style of play not befitting of Setien or Barcelona.
