KEY POINTS

  • Arsenal in the lead for Jovic
  • Real may opt to keep Jovic
  • Gunners may pass if finances don't hold up

Arsenal FC is bracing for the impending departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, looking at Luka Jovic as a possible replacement. And the Gunners may have just taken the lead in signing the Serbian striker with reports that AC Milan and Napoli have allegedly cooled down their interest in the 22-year-old footballer.

Aubameyang contract will run out next season and most feel that he is unlikely to consider staying. Hence, Arsenal is allegedly willing to let the French footballer for as low as £30 million rather than end up on empty. From there, the focus will shift on Jovic who did not exactly have a fine showing with Real Madrid after joining them last summer.

So far, Jovic has only accounted for two goals in 24 appearances. It was a far worse showing, nowhere near the 27 goals he had with Eintracht Frankfurt. The word out is that he has fallen out of Zinedine Zidane's favor and such has raised interest from multiple teams. But based on the latest report of Sport, it appears at least two are bowing out - AC Milan and Napoli.

Real shelled out £52.4 million for Jovic last year and now they are trying to take back whatever amount they can from the botched investment. However, these plans are not yet ready in the clear. With most teams expected to tighten up their finances, there is a chance that Real may stick with Jovic for at least one more season before dealing him away.

The move is understandable. Real may end up paying more if they deal away Jovic and take in another star who could end up costing more. it is a reality that most clubs are facing though there are some names likely to be exempted. Based on his showing with Real, Jovic is unlikely one of them unless Arsenal is ready to pay a huge fee to get their hands on the 22-year-old footballer.

Arsenal has a lot of players on their radar, yet another angle that could force them to withdraw from the race for Jovic if the price is too steep. As mentioned in a previous post, Willian is another player that the Gunners are planning to get the attacking midfielder currently playing for Chelsea FC. At some point, Arsenal may have to whittle down their targets - something that has yet to be known.

 Luka Jovic of Real Madrid
Luka Jovic of Real Madrid Getty Images | Alejandro/DeFodi Images