Eddie Howe has categorically ruled out a move for Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke, confirming Newcastle United are not in the race.
Dominic Solanke’s name has rung in the English media for a few weeks following his top draw performances for Bournemouth this season. The striker is playing in his best Premier League season ever and has already garnered plenty of high-profile interest in his services.
Arsenal were linked earlier, with Mikel Arteta eager to sign the striker, and might still look at the Bournemouth star as an option this month. Cherries manager Andoni Iraola will not want to bear the thought of his 13-goal striker leaving, but things are out of his hands.
Bournemouth are unlikely to sell the player, who also has eyeballs from elsewhere. He provides a different option, more in the traditional No.9 role. Solanke is physical in his approach and an expert finisher and holder of the ball.
Newcastle United are also keen, and Eddie Howe likes Solanke’s profile. The Magpies boss signed him for the Cherries many years ago and could dream of a reunion with the 26-year-old. Howe had made a similar move for Calum Wilson, who also used to play under him at Bournemouth and has since made his name at Newcastle United.
Howe might consider Solanke a potential successor for Wilson, although they might shelve their plans for the Bournemouth star. The Newcastle boss continues to admire Solanke but categorically ruled out a move in January through his comments that Sky Sports’ Keith Downie ran on his tweet. Howe cited the club’s inability to do business at that level, which may have connections to FFP problems.
Howe said, “It’s a frustrating story. I love Solanke, I signed him for Bournemouth and rate him very highly. But we have not made an inquiry for him & we don’t have the ability to sign a player of that level.”
There are rumours that Newcastle United may sell one of their big-name players in this window to raise funds, and only then will they be able to sign new players. The prospect of losing one of their present stars may hurt their chances in the context of the season, but they may have no other choice.
A recent report pointed at Arsenal’s links to Alexander Isak, which at first looked flimsy but now makes more sense. Hence, in the context of Newcastle United’s finances, Howe is right; they cannot afford a player of Solanke’s level.
