Arsenal have reportedly identified a striker they hope to sign in the summer transfer window to help fill the void should Alexandre Lacazette leave the club.
The French forward's current contract at the Emirates is set to expire at the end of the season, with the player yet to commit his future to the Gunners. It means Arteta's side may need to bring in more firepower up front, with Eddie Nketiah's contract also set to run down and the club yet to replace former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang following his move to Barcelona in January.
It comes as Arsenal boss Arteta has admitted he would ideally like to keep hold of Lacazette beyond the summer as the Gunners manager spoke out about the forward's future. And former England international Danny Mills has told Arsenal's players they may have to ignore Mikel Arteta's tactics in order to address their recent slump in form.
Here are Mirror Football's latest Arsenal headlines.
Join the debate! Does Alexandre Lacazette deserve a new contract at Arsenal? Let us know what you think here.
Players told to ignore Arteta's tactics
Danny Mills has told Arsenal's players they need to show more leadership on the pitch if they are to address their recent slump in form – and be bold enough to switch their tactics if Mikel Arteta's gameplan isn't working out.
The Gunners have lost their last three league games as they have fallen out of the Premier League's top four to seriously dent their hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League. And former Leeds United and Manchester City defender Mills has told Arsenal players "whatever the manager’s instructions are, you’re not a robot and you can change".
And he's suggested the Gunners need leaders on the pitch who are bold enough to "adjust to certain situations and tell their teammates to adjust and do things a different way".
Arteta speaks out on Lacazette’s future
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta wants Alexandre Lacazette to remain focused on his football as the Gunners' boss opened up about the forward's future.
Lacazette could walk away from the club for nothing when his contract expires at the end of the season, and Arsenal could be left with no senior forwards on their books with Eddie Nketiah also looking likely to depart. And his manager Arteta has expressed his desire to keep the France international at the Emirates as he issued an update on the current state of play over a new deal.
Scouts monitor Lacazette replacement
Arsenal scouts have reportedly watched Paraguayan youngster Julio Enciso as they identify attacking targets for the summer transfer window.
The 18-year-old was reportedly watched by Arsenal scout Everton Gushiken during Cerro Porteno’s league clash with Libertad on Sunday. The forward has netted 10 times in as many appearances for his side this season and could now be set for a summer move to the Premier League outfit.
