As Arsenal fans nervously prepare to see out the season with Champions League qualification up for grabs, transfer links continue to do the rounds to offer a welcome distraction.
Mikel Arteta said some time ago that this summer presents an opportunity to, in his words, "go to a different level". As well as these quotes that have left many intrigued for what's to come, football.london understands the Spaniard wants to sign two new forwards ahead of next season.
In addition to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's departure in January, Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah could also follow suit due to their contracts expiring in June this year. Arteta has confirmed that talks will resume with Lacazette at the end of the current campaign before a final decision is made, but a breakthrough with Nketiah does not appear to be close.
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football.london also understands that Benfica striker Darwin Nunez and Chelsea loanee Armando Broja are being monitored ahead of a potential summer swoop. However, with Nunez valued at £67m according to various reports and Broja unlikely to leave Stamford Bridge for cheap either, technical director Edu will need to be smart.
If Lacazette leaves, it would be no surprise to see significant investment made on a top-class striker while a cheaper deal is finalised for more of a second choice and rotational option. Although identifying players who would be happy to sit on the bench may be difficult, perhaps searching within the lower leagues at home and abroad may help.
With that in mind, Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic is emerging as a solid choice for the aforementioned rotation role after bagging his 38th league goal of the season against Middlesbrough on Wednesday. It means 14 goals now separate him and Dominic Solanke, who is the second-highest goalscorer with 24 goals.
Mitrovic's success has already seen him break the Sky Bet Championship record for goals scored in a single season, overtaking Ivan Toney who found the net 31 times for Brentford last year. The Serbian international has played in the Premier League with both Fulham and Newcastle previously but both clubs struggled in the top-flight, leading to him scoring just 24 times across 104 appearances while providing 10 assists.
Despite the obvious concerns, Mitrovic has continued to develop and is now enjoying his strongest season in England since arriving from RSC Anderlecht as one of the most promising young forwards in Europe seven years ago. During that time, the now 27-year-old has gained valuable experience across the two highest divisions in the country, establishing himself as a key member of Serbia's national team in the process, racking up 44 goals and 70 caps.
Respectively, if Arsenal came in for him then it probably wouldn't take much convincing. A move from Fulham to the Gunners would represent a huge upgrade for the player, potentially easing any concerns over the role he would have within the team.
Mitrovic recently signed a new long-term deal with the west London side, so they would be in a relatively strong position should negotiations take place with any interested parties. But Transfermarkt values the striker at just £16.2m, indicating that a relatively cheap deal can still be struck.
Are there better options out there? I'm sure there is. Nonetheless, Mitrovic should at least be considered based on current form. He has proven to be lethal in front of goal and would no doubt improve his Premier League record with quality players around him.
