Arsenal view Dominic Solanke as an alternative to top striker target Ivan Toney, as they might make an approach to test Bournemouth.
According to The Daily Star, Arsenal are reportedly considering Dominic Solanke as a viable alternative to Ivan Toney. Mikel Arteta might want the Brentford striker on priority, but reports are pointing towards signing the Bournemouth star instead.
There are plenty of questions around Arsenal’s transfer plans when the January window opens. The earlier reports firmly pointed towards signing a striker on priority, but that has shifted in recent months, with many insisting they might go big on a new midfielder.
Gabriel Jesus is not considered as someone who can deliver 20-25 goals in a seaosn, with many pointing towards a need for such a prolific striker to win the league. The Brazilian has battled fitness issues, but in recent games, he has looked like his old self.
In truth, Arsenal may still prioritise a midfielder and potentially a defender, depending on what the squad needs in January. However, there are persistent links to a new striker, with Ivan Toney their reported main target.
Arteta had insisted on the need for a traditional No.9 as links to Toney grew exponentially. Chelsea and Tottenham are also in contention for the Brentford star, but Thomas Frank hopes to keep him, at least until the summer window.
While Arteta likes the idea of having Toney in his squad, Arsenal will not pay over the odds, especially after many reports pointed towards Brentford’s massive asking price. Hence, the chances of the Bees striker arriving are questionable, which has led the Gunners to consider alternatives.
West Ham-linked Dominic Solanke has emerged as an alternative target for Arsenal. The club chiefs view the 26-year-old in-form Premier League forward as someone with a greater ceiling in the future and have admired him for his hardworking displays for Bournemouth.
Bournemouth are not keen to sell him in January and would demand in excess of £40 million next summer. However, if a club like Arsenal does come into the equation, Solanke might reconsider his future with the Cherries.
Solanke has proved instrumental for Bournemouth, especially in the last few games. He already has bettered his previous Premier League tallies with eight goals on board. Cherries boss Andoni Iraola will hope to have the forward on his squad until the summer, but the Gunners could push with the singing if Toney becomes unattainable.
Normally you would judge a strikers performance over two seasons and how they do against the bigger teams like man city, arsenal and Liverpool.