Word stemming from the media on Monday suggests that Premier League outfit Arsenal could have been the beneficiaries of a player exchange deal with Paris Saint-Germain during the January transfer window.

The players to have taken centre stage in discussions between the two clubs? Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mauro Icardi.

Ex-Gunners captain Aubameyang was of course tipped to seal a transfer away from the Emirates throughout the winter window, before eventually sealing a move to La Liga with FC Barcelona.

Those in a position of power at Arsenal, in turn, were left with little choice but to reignite their pursuit of attacking reinforcements.

And, as per a report from the reliable David Ornstein of The Athletic, one such name to have come to the fore during discussions over the club’s frontline came in the form of the aforementioned Icardi.

It is understood that the north Londoners were afforded the opportunity to explore a swap deal involving Argentine hitman Icardi and the now-departed Aubameyang.

Revealed: The PSG star Arsenal could have landed in exchange deal during January window

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 06: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang looks dejected after the Premier League match between Everton and Arsenal at Goodison Park on December 6, 2021 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta and co., however, ultimately came to the decision not to pursue such a move:

”This might have been an interesting prospect but, as with various possibilities that came Arsenal’s way, it did not develop because Arsenal were clear on the candidates they would be prepared to pursue and if none materialised they would stick with existing options until the end of the season.”

Broja eyed

Coincidentally, word of Arsenal’s potential Icardi swoop comes just 24 hours on from the Gunners being tipped as a potential summer landing spot for yet another gifted frontman.

The latest player tipped to take his talents to the Emirates? Armando Broja.

As per journalist Chris Wheatley, Arsenal correspondent for football.london, youngster Broja, currently in the midst of an impressive loan stint with Southampton, is ‘high on the wish list’ of Arteta and co. ahead of next season.

It of course remains to be seen, however, in the case that Arsenal do sanction a swoop for the Albanian, whether or not Chelsea, his parent club, would be willing to sanction a sale to a direct London rival.

 

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