Aubameyang’s exit could be dashed by one of Arsenal’s own transfer targets

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's situation has gone from bad to worse as after already being stripped of his captaincy by Arsenal, he has been send home from the Africa Cup of Nations early by Gabon.

The forward has not featured for Arsenal since the first week of October, and Mikel Arteta confirmed that he would not consider selecting Aubameyang until he returned home from international duty as punishment for his off the field antics.

Arteta has also been looking for a new striker this January, with a whole host of potential options being lined up at the Arsenal boss looks to replace Aubameyang completely.

However, it may be Aubameyang who has the last laugh, as his exit may be blocked by one of Arsenal's own transfer targets.

Arsenal have been actively pursuing both Dusan Vlahovic and Alexander Isak as long-term replacements for Aubameyang, and it's been reported that the Gunners have now launched a hefty bid for the Serie A star, according to Corriere della Sera.

If a deal with Vlahovic fails to materialise, then Arsenal may turn their attention to Isak, but Barcelona have reportedly joined the race to sign the Sweden international, according to Spanish newspaper Sport.

Barcelona were already interested in Aubameyang following his removal from the Arsenal squad, and the Catalan side are looking for a striker too due to the unfortunate health condition of Sergio Aguero that saw his career come to an end.

If Barcelona instead turn their attention to Isak though, then it will make a potential move for Aubameyang fall through, leaving the Gunners back at square one.

Isak reportedly has a release clause of €70million (£59.8m), although Arsenal would be hoping to sign him for considerably less should a deal for Vlahovic fail, but Barcelona boss Xavi has made a centre-forward his number one priority.

Barcelona, like the rest of Europe, would love to sign Erling Haaland, but with a deal unlikely, the Catalan side have started listing alternatives.

Unfortunately for Arsenal, both Isak and Vlahovic are on that list, with Aubameyang seemingly out of the equation for now.

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