We obviously don't want to think too much about worse-case scenarios this summer and I certainly don't mean to worry you all, but it is something that Arsenal must prepare for if things don't go as planned, after all, anything can happen during a transfer window.
If there was one position which was in desperate need of strengthening, it would be centre-forward, it's a pretty easy choice. Following the departures of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, there is a rather urgent need for reinforcements as preparations are made for next season.
It looked likely that Eddie Nketiah would also follow them out of the exit door, but a change of heart is set to see him extend his stay. It takes the pressure off Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu slightly, but there still remains a need to bring in a top-quality striker who is guaranteed to score goals.
READ MORE: Liverpool and Man City have forced Edu into major Arsenal transfer decision on striker signing
As various reports have suggested, Gianluca Scamacca and Gabriel Jesus appear to be two leading candidates as of right now, with the latter currently seen as more of a priority. However, it's become clear that Arsenal isn't the only team interested in either player.
London rivals Chelsea and Tottenham are said to be keen on Jesus, although it's Thomas Tuchel's side that could pose the most threat if Romelu Lukaku returns to Inter Milan, which seems very likely. Scamacca meanwhile, is attracting interest from PSG who have already tabled a bid, according to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.
So in the unfortunate event Arsenal miss out, I've selected three names which could prove to be solid alternatives, though they'll certainly have to pay a pretty price first and no Champions League football may also be an obstacle. Nevertheless, let's get to it.
Victor Osimhen
A striker admired by both Arsenal and large parts of the fanbase, Osimhen wouldn't be a bad 'plan c' at all. Some may even argue that his signing would be a dream scenario this summer, and it's certainly clear to see why.
Scoring 18 goals and providing six assists last season, the Nigerian has established himself as one of the most consistent strikers in Serie A at Napoli. A nasty cheekbone fracture didn't stop the 23-year-old from doing what he does best, proving to be a real handful for defenders with power and pace.
Not only is it his impressive form in front of goal that makes him a standout option, but his strong build and aerial threat are two attributes that would provide the Gunners with something they've perhaps been lacking, not to mention it would suit the Premier League perfectly.
Although the thought of him arriving at the Emirates is a nice one, the club will know that he would not come cheaply. Napoli signed him for a fee in the region of £60m two years ago, and now it's said that they will be demanding around £86m for his services.
Lautaro Martinez
Another name that Arsenal fans will be familiar with following links last summer. Like Osimhen, Martinez has proven to be a huge success in Italy and is coming off the back of his best season in front of goal yet after finding the net 25 times in 49 appearances.
Standing at 5ft 9in, Martinez relies more on his electric speed to get the better of the opposition, although he is also dangerous on the ball and tricky with his feet.
The Argentinian's future has become a little uncertain due to the potential arrivals of Paulo Dybala and the aforementioned Lukaku, raising fears in Milan that he could be moved on as a consequence.
Speaking to The Arsenal Way back in April, Football Italia's Richard Hall said: "For me, Lautaro Martinez is probably the best out the bunch in the sense of what he can provide. I still think he's got levels to go, I think he can still become elite, elite."
The Times reported that Tottenham agreed a £60m fee with Inter for the striker last summer before a move failed to come to fruition, but perhaps it's a hint that business could be done if a similar offer is tabled.
Tammy Abraham
Last but not least, I finish with someone who already has that all-important Premier League experience. I've also realised that my picks are currently in the Serie A, an unintentional coincidence!
I haven't always been Abraham's biggest fan, but it appears he has come a long way since joining AS Roma. 26 goals and five assists represent a hugely successful debut season in the Italian capital, with the England international proving to be a key figure under Jose Mourinho.
If you cast your minds back to last year, you'll remember that Arsenal were heavily linked with the 24-year-old while he was still at Chelsea, but the club's failure to move on one of Aubameyang, Lacazette and Nketiah meant a forward signing was not possible at the time.
Similarly to Osimhen, Abraham's tall build gives him an aerial advantage while still possessing a dangerous turn of pace on the ground. He has all of the attributes Arteta would be looking for, but again, Roma will likely put a sizeable price tag on him which could prove problematic. Additionally, it's not known whether he would be open to a return to England so soon after leaving.
