LATEST ARSENAL TRANSFER RUMOURS: Aubameyang replacement identified, Rodriguez linked again and more

Here are all the latest transfer news, rumours and gossips from the Emirates, as the Gunners prepare for next season.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta knows his side are in dire need of reinforcements ahead of next season. They are on course for another season without Champions League football. As a result, they are unlikely to spend big this summer. With limited funds, Arteta will want to make a few shrewd additions where possible.

The possibility of losing club captain Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang still looming large, Arteta needs to find a replacement. Arsenal also look to re-ignite their interest in James Rodriguez. We take a look at all the latest transfer rumours and news around the Emirates.

Arteta identify Auba’s replacement

Arsenal are likely to lose their top scorer this summer. Arteta needs a man who can guarantee him at least 25 goals a season. And according to the Mirror, that man may be Real Madrid’s Luka Jovic.

Jovic has struggled for form in his first season for Los Blancos. The Serbian has scored only two goals in 24 appearances this season. He may seem like an unlikely saviour, but Arteta thinks he has all the right attributes to lead the line for Arsenal. The Gunners might be able to negate his £50m price tag by investing the money made from Aubameyang’s sale. Also, with Real’s interest in the Gabonese, a straight swap is also possible.

Arsenal back in for James Rodriguez

The Gunners are still insistently pursuing a move for James Rodriguez. The Colombian has failed to force his way back into Real’s squad, after returning from his loan at Bayern Munich.

A report from Marca suggests that Arsenal made a bid for Rodriguez last year. But the player did not want to move to England. Arsenal are in dire need of creative spark from midfield, with only Ozil and Ceballos as their only main playmaker in the team. Ceballos will likely return to Madrid after his disappointing dry loan at the Emirates. So, a move for Rodriguez makes total sense. With interest from potential rivals Napoli and Atletico Madrrid also fading, James may reconsider a move to the Premier League.

Valencia set asking price Carlos Soler amid Arsenal interest

La Liga outfit Valencia have apparently slapped a £36 million price tag on midfielder Carlos Soler, who is attracting interest from Arsenal and Manchester United. The 23-year old have scored 11 goals and provided 17 assists in 141 appearances for his hometown club.

Mikel Arteta has appeared to handpick Soler as a top transfer target. This gives an insight into the Gunners’ plans to adopt a Spain-centric recruitment policy under their new manager. The club’s technical director Edu Gaspar also has personal connections within Valencia, as he left Arsenal to move to the Mestalla during his playing career.