KEY POINTS

  • The rebuild at Camp Nou continues with Barcelona eyeing two Arsenal standouts
  • Lionel Messi signed with PSG after the Barcelona deal fell through
  • Aubameyang and Lacazette are now on Barcelona's radar as potential replacements

Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman has a massive rebuild on his hands, and his transfer gaze has wandered towards Arsenal.

The Camp Nou side and the rest of the football world are still reeling from the effects of Lionel Messi’s departure due to La Liga’s financial rules not allowing Barcelona to re-sign the six-time Balon d’Or winner.

Life goes on, and Barcelona has identified Arsenal duo Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette as potential transfer signings.

Sport reports that Koeman wants to sign another forward in the hopes that they improve their chances at making a run to the top of La Liga.

Barcelona had a solid start to their season as they beat Real Sociedad four goals to two at home, but the belief around the club is that they can always be better.

It will take a team effort to take up the mantle of Messi’s role, and Aubameyang and Lacazette both have the tools to help plug some of the holes.

Lacazette has been fairly underwhelming with his time at Arsenal, and with one season remaining on his contract, the Gunners may want to cash in on him before they lose him for free next season.

As for Aubameyang, the former Borussia Dortmund player was approached by Barcelona a couple of seasons ago, but Arsenal decided against the sale and made sure to keep their captain on the team. He has two years left on his deal.

Arsenal reportedly wants to shed off parts of their wage bill because Aubameyang and Lacazette are making a combined £420,000 ($582,400) per week with Arsenal on their base salaries, and they’d like to free some of that up for future deals.

However, the transfer of Aubameyang and Lacazette all hinge on whether Martin Braithwaite will be transferred away from Camp Nou.

The Danish started off his season brilliantly as he scored two goals in their match against Real Sociedad, so now it seems as if Barcelona may want to hold off on selling him.

Either one of Lacazette or Aubameyang will be a big get for Barcelona’s attacking group, but with Braithwaite having a great start to his season, a deal may not happen this summer.

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