Aubameyang to Madrid speculation has been picking up pace recently, with France Football reporting earlier that the Spanish giants have made an enquiry. However, the latest update from Spain should give Arsenal fans some hope. In an exclusive update, Real Madrid-affiliated news source Defensa Central suggests that Madrid have other priorities this summer.

Of course, there are other clubs that will be interested in Aubameyang, who is Arsenal’s top goalscorer with 17 goals to his name this season. It would be a nightmare to even think that he could leave for a Premier League rival, but crueller things have happened in the past. However, former Arsenal striker Charlie Nicholas provided an interesting perspective in his latest interview with Sky Sports, suggesting that Aubameyang’s ‘star status’ at Arsenal is a great reason for him to want to stay unless a European giant comes calling. Overall, there is reason to be slightly optimistic, without getting carried away.

If Barcelona or Real Madrid come in I’ll say ‘I’m not surprised he would want to go there, it doesn’t surprise me. If there is anything else in England I am not so sure. I don’t expect Liverpool or Manchester City to go for him and try to get him. I don’t see the need that he wants to go. He is Arsenal’s superstar and I think that he enjoys that.

Charlie Nicholas

Meanwhile, Lacazette may be offloaded and it is being widely reported that he is not a top priority for Mikel Arteta. For not the first time, Spanish media suggest that Atletico Madrid will seek to take advantage of this, and also that Lacazette himself could be interested. The latest comes from AS, who say that Atletico are monitoring the situation, which will partly depend on whether or not offers come in for their striker, Diego Costa.

Finally, and going back to Real Madrid and their interest in Erling Håland, another source from Spain hints that Jovic could well move to Arsenal if Madrid are able to land one of their top targets. Sadio Mane and Kylian Mbappe are also on Madrid’s wishlist. The newspaper, Sport, say that Arsenal are ‘scouring’ the market for an Auba replacement and Jović ‘occupies a leading role’ on Arteta’s wishlist. While Madrid have faith in Jovic, a big money move for one of their major targets could very well change things. So if Aubameyang does leave, expect Jovic to continue to be heavily linked with the Gunners.

Although it would be nice to have a clearer idea of who will lead Arsenal’s attacking line next season, we can only continue to speculate for the time being.