Arsenal are reportedly leading the race to sign Alexander Isak this month, according to reports...

What's the word?

Catalan outlet El Nacional (via the Daily Mail) claim that the Gunners are in pole position to sign the Real Sociedad striker as manager Mikel Arteta looks to replace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.

The 22-year-old could make his move to the Emirates Stadium this month as the LaLiga outfit do not want to sell to a direct rival, with Barcelona also said to be interested.

Isak has a €90m (£75m) release clause at the Reale Arena, though Transfermarkt value the 31-cap Sweden international at around half that figure (£36m).

Bye-bye Aubameyang?

Aubameyang has not played for the north London giants since the 6th of December after being stripped of the captaincy and it's thought that the club are willing to listen to offers for him during the January transfer window, as per Sky Sports.

A disciplinary issue is what has caused the 32-year-old's demise at London Colney and with him set to continue to earn a whopping £350k-per-week over the next 18 months, it's no wonder that the Gunners want him gone sooner rather than later.

Isak seems like a very wise replacement and one that could instantly make his mark at Arsenal.

The Swedish sensation has been in electric form once again this campaign, delivering seven goals from 21 appearances, across the Spanish top-flight and the Europa League.

That builds on last season's tally of 17 goals in 34 league games.

After earning the division's 'Young Player of the Year' award that campaign, Isak caught the eye at Euro 2020, where former Manchester United defender turned pundit, Rio Ferdinand, praised his ability.

"This kid, Isak, he was a problem today for the defenders in the Spain team," he said during BBC's coverage of Sweden vs Spain (via football.london). "He was a nuisance. He showed today why he's got Young Player of the Year in La Liga. He was the outlet."

Meanwhile, fellow ex-pro Gary Lineker has previously dubbed him an "exceptional talent".

On the above evidence, Arteta would surely love to replace his controversial former captain with a player of Isak's calibre. It'll now be on Edu Gaspar and co to get it done.

The later they leave the Spaniard's striker situation, the trickier things will get.