Barcelona’s has allegedly put together a list of five-men to replace Luis Suarez. On top of the shortlist comes as no surprise features Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Aubameyang has been linked to the La Liga giants for some time, so this comes as no surprise.
Suarez suffered an injury earlier in January and could be looking at a long spell on the sidelines for the rest of the season. New Barca manager Quique Setien, is said to be wasting no time as he is keen on finding a solution and has identified a list of five strikers who could replace Suarez.
Among the notable candidates are Arsenal captain Aubameyang as well as Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez. Setien is said to be eager to settle for Martinez who’s enjoyed a breakout season at the San Siro. However, the striker has a high release clause around his neck which is reportedly around €111 million and would prove to be an issue.
The 22-year-old has scored 10 goals and assisted three in 20 Serie A games this season while forming a prolific partnership with former Manchester United player Romelu Lukaku. Aubameyang has 18 months left on his deal at the Emirates Stadium and the La Liga leaders were reportedly interested in a loan deal earlier in the window.
However, Arsenal don’t want to sell and with Aubameyang turning 31 in June, the Catalan giants are likely to look for a younger option.
RB Leipzig’s Timo Werner has proven worthy, as he’s every top club in Europe lost and the Bundesliga’s top scorer has caught Barca’s interest.
Another options which could be seen as a short term fix include Ezequiel ‘Chimy’ Avila from Osasuna. Although one man who is bound to impress while Suarez is out injured, is Antoine Griezmann.
The Frenchman signed from Atletico Madrid in the summer. Having had a tough start to adjusting to his new club Barcelona he’s managed to net seven goals in his last 11 games and is keen to continue improving.
Speaking to media outlets, Griezmann, said, “I want to write the history of this club. I have to work to do it, I have to work to be important for this club.”
Griezmann added on his ambition: “I hope to improve both in goals and assists. I’m adapting, trying to learn as much about the tactics as possible. I feel very good, physically and mentally. I really want to work. I really want to improve.”
The France World Cup winner leads the line, with manager Setien stating: It’s an option. We don’t have a specific player now, but he is a good alternative. He helped us a lot and we value that. He is good at losing his markers and drops to the channels.”
Do you think Barcelona will sign a striker in January?
