Arsenal identify No.1 summer transfer target as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang replacement

Arsenal are reportedly monitoring prolific Gent hitman Jonathan David as a potential replacement if Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leaves the Emirates this summer.

Attacking midfielder David has scored 18 goals in 26 league games for Belgian side Gent, as well as netting five in the Europa League this season.

The 20-year-old is believed to be high on Arsenal's shortlist if either Aubameyang or Alexandre Lacazette leave this summer, while he has also been linked with Manchester United, Chelsea and Leicester City.

Arsenal, in 10th place in the Premier League, have fallen behind in the race for a top-four spot - although fifth would be enough to qualify for next season's Champions League if Manchester City's four-year ban from UEFA competitions is upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

And if Mikel Arteta's Gunners don't earn a seat at Europe's top table, the fear is that either one or both of Aubameyang and Lacazette could leave in search of Champions League football.

And if that happens, Canada international David will be one of Arsenals' prime targets, according to Goal . David is contracted to Gent until 2023, but the Belgian club would be willing to cash in to the tune of around £17.5million, according to Metro .

Gunners scouts have been impressed by David since he joined Gent from Ottawa Internationals two years ago.

He scored 12 goals in 33 league games last season in his debut campaign in Europe, before scoring six in four matches for Canada in the Gold Cup last summer.

He has vastly improved on his league tally this season, with his 18 goals coming in 26 starts.

As for Aubameyang and Lacazette, whether or not they stay may depend on whether Arsenal can secure a place in Europe.

Aubameyang has less than 18 months left on his current deal at the Emirates, while Lacazette has a further year.

But one or both could leave if Arsenal fail to secure European football next season.

The Gunners are currently eight points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, and five off Manchester United in fifth.