Arsenal have had to change their January transfer plans and time is running out to sign a new striker.
As reported by football.london, Dusan Vlahovic had been Mikel Arteta's top target this month as he looks to bring in a long-term replacement for out-of-favour ex-captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
In addition, with Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah out of contract at the end of the season, the Gunners' need to freshen up their attacking options is clear.
Although, Vlahovic won't be the answer as it's expected that Juventus will secure his signature before the transfer window closes amid talk of a £67million agreement with Fiorentina.
Therefore, Arsenal are now exploring alternatives to Vlahovic which includes Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak, Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lille forward Jonathan David.
Meanwhile, football.london understands Real Madrid forward Luka Jovic has been offered to the north London outfit on loan until the end of the season.
The 24-year-old has once again struggled for game time, mostly due to the brilliant form of Karim Benzema and has not ruled out leaving Los Blancos this month.
So despite missing out on Vlahovic, Arsenal can pursue other targets and can perhaps take comfort from the fact that they could sign a player who is more valuable than the Serbia international.
The striker, according to data provided by the CIES Football Observatory, has a top estimated transfer value of €50m (£41.9m), meaning he is one of the most valuable centre-forwards in Europe.
But of the aforementioned quartet, it's David and Isak who boast an even greater value at €70m (£58m).
Whilst Vlahovic (20) has outscored both David (15) and Isak (7), the top estimated transfer valuations of the duo mean they could be to better signings in the long-term than the 21-year-old.
Isak's height and technical skill make him the ideal centre-forward option in Arteta's system, whilst David has outscored Kylian Mbappe in Ligue 1 this season and his soaring pace makes him a major threat behind the opposition defence.
Of the pair, the Swede would be easiest to sign this month as Arsenal just need to activate the €90m (£75.4m) release clause in his Real Sociedad contract.
Although in potentially a huge boost for Arsenal, Isak has already revealed there is room for negotiation which means the Gunners might be able to reach an agreement for less than his release clause.
"My clause? We, the players, don't take too much care of that, it's more on the side of the clubs," he said in November. "We play and the clubs negotiate with each other."
With that said, as all three players are on course to fulfill their massive potential with the more experience they gain, it does show Arteta and Edu are targeting the right type of profile in the search for a new striker.
And there's a chance that one could become the most valuable player in the world of any nationality.
For Vlahovic, that could be at Juventus but Arsenal fans will be hopeful seeing one of Isak or David develop at the Emirates Stadium, but time is against Arteta and Edu to conclude a deal before the January 31 deadline.
