Arsenal could already be planning for life without Alexandre Lacazette...

What's the word?

According to football.london's chief Gunners reporter Chris Wheatley, the north London outfit are likely to target a new striker in the upcoming transfer windows, and Real Sociedad star Alexander Isak is one name in whom they hold an interest.

In a recent Q&A session with supporters, the journalist said: "Arsenal will try to sign a forward in the next transfer windows. Isak would be a great option and there is certainly interest."

The 21-year-old signed a new contract with the La Liga side in July, a move which also saw a £30m buyback clause from Borussia Dortmund bought out.

It remains to be seen exactly how much the 27-cap Sweden international would command in 2022 but Transfermarkt currently value him at around £36m.

Bye-bye Lacazette

It's hardly a surprise to learn that Arsenal will be looking for a new frontman in the near future - that's because Lacazette appears to be on his way out, with his contract due to expire at the end of the current campaign.

On transfer deadline day, football.london reported [via Metro] that the 30-year-old Frenchman had little interest in renewing his deal at the Emirates Stadium and will duly move on next summer.

The Gunners' hierarchy even tried to move him on during the transfer window in order to bring in Tammy Abraham, who in the end swapped Chelsea for AS Roma, as per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

In Isak, Mikel Arteta would be getting an ideal replacement, and one who could serve the Gunners for many years to come.

The Real Sociedad talisman is yet to get off the mark in 2021/22 but he enjoyed a phenomenal season last time out, scoring 17 goals in just 34 league appearances, via Transfermarkt.

That form earned him the division's Young Player of the Year award as well as a glowing endorsement from former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, who waxed lyrical about the Swede after their Euro 2020 clash with Spain.

"This kid, Isak, he was a problem today for the defenders in the Spain team," the former Manchester United centre-back said on BBC's coverage of the match (via quotes sourced by football.london).

Ferdinand continued: "He was a nuisance. He showed today why he's got Young Player of the Year in La Liga. He was the outlet."

The 6 foot 2 marksman has understandably been likened to fellow countryman Zlatan Ibrahimovic for his 'silky first-touch, near-perfect technique and penchant for goals'.

Meanwhile, Dortmund's sporting director Michael Zorc once dubbed him a "great talent" when signing him from Willem II.

All in all, Edu Gaspar and co must look to seal a move for Isak as soon as January as they look to fill the imminent void left behind by Lacazette. He'd be the perfect replacement for the Frenchman on the above evidence.

AND in other news, Edu could strike gold over Auba replacement by signing "quick" £60m-rated "world-beater"...