Arsenal could face an uphill battle to keep star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this month.

The Gabon striker has been a revelation at the Gunners since his arrival in January 2018, scoring 57 goals in his 91 Premier League games - with 14 of those coming in 2019/20.

Without the former Borussia Dortmund man, Arsenal would probably be in the midst of a relegation scrap this season.

But their worst fears could become a reality this month, with Barcelona reportedly plotting a move for Aubameyang.

According to Catalan publication Mundo Deportivo, the 30-year-old is the Blaugrana's 'preferred target' to replace the injured Luis Suarez.

The Uruguayan is expected to miss around four months of action after undergoing knee surgery, with Antoine Griezmann the only central striking option available at the club.

Lionel Messi can operate as a 'false nine' and there is youngster Carles Perez, but a club of Barca's stature simply has to look to acquire a world-class reinforcement this transfer window.

With Aubameyang having just 18 months left on his current contract at Arsenal and the London club struggling for form, he may represent the most viable option for the La Liga leaders.

Barca hope that the striker's relationships with Ousmane Dembele and Samuel Umtiti will help swing him towards the sunny shores of Spain.

ANALYSIS

GiveMeSport's Danny Ryan says:

Arsenal fans won't want to hear it, but Aubameyang to Barcelona this month makes a lot of sense.

Other potential targets like Lautaro Martinez will command significantly higher fees and negotiations would be far more difficult.

Inter Milan would be in the position of power, Arsenal would sadly not. If Aubameyang wants to leave and Barca show their willingness to pay a handsome(ish) sum of money, what is there to stop the deal going through?

At the end of the day, Barca are a Champions League powerhouse, win trophies for fun and provide the attraction of playing with Messi.

What are Arsenal currently doing? Languishing mid-table in the Premier League and on the cusp of their fourth consecutive season without Champions League football.

The stars could be aligning for this transfer.