A round-up of the latest Arsenal news as Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe gives an honest stance on a transfer for Gunners target Dominic Solanke of AFC Bournemouth.
Howe rules Newcastle out a transfer for Arsenal striker target Solanke
Magpies manager Howe has ruled out a transfer to Newcastle for Bournemouth star Solanke amid rival interest from Arsenal. The Toon coach also denies making an approach to sign the 26-year-old. His St James’ Park side cannot afford players of the striker’s ‘level’ this month.
Reports by The Telegraph claimed that Newcastle contacted Bournemouth with an approach for Solanke’s transfer. But the Cherries issued a firm rebuttal as they bid to retain their best goal threat. Howe led Newcastle’s supposed interest as he is a long-term admirer of Solanke.
It was under Howe that Bournemouth also signed Solanke from Liverpool back in 2019. But Andoni Iraola is reluctant to lose any attacking players in January, let alone Solanke with 12 goals in 19 Premier League games this term. He also signed a new contract last September.
Solanke’s extension locked him down to June 2027 but his form has also led Arsenal to show interest in a transfer. The Daily Star reports that Mikel Arteta has marked the Cherries star as his top alternative target to Ivan Toney of Brentford. West Ham United are also keeping tabs.
The Daily Star also suggests that Bournemouth would consider selling Solanke for £50m this month. But the Cherries’ price tag has now seen Howe publicly rule Newcastle out of a race for his transfer. His honest update on the Toon’s stance might encourage Arsenal and Arteta.
“I love Solanke,” Newcastle manager Howe said, via quotes by the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope. “I signed him for Bournemouth and rate him very highly. But we have not made an enquiry for him and we don’t have the ability to sign a player of that level.”
Read more about what Howe had to say about a transfer for Bournemouth’s Solanke, here.
Timber admits his transfer ‘dream’ as Arsenal target the Feyenoord star
Feyenoord talent Quinten Timber admits it is his ‘dream’ to play in the Premier League amid transfer interest from Arsenal. The twin brother of Gunners defender Jurrien Timber has put a host of English top-flight clubs on alert. And he hopes to one day make a move to England.
The 22-year-old has enjoyed a superb season so far with six goals and six assists through 16 Eredivisie appearances. He also started in each of Feyenoord’s six Champions League group stage ties. While scouts from around Europe have descended on De Kuip to catch a glimpse.
Reports by 90min have listed Timber as one of Arsenal’s alternative transfer targets to Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz. But 90min has also claimed that Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Liverpool, Monaco, Man City, Manchester United, Napoli and Tottenham have scouted him.
Arsenal’s scouts are among the many to issue glowing reports on Timber as Arteta considers his transfer from Feyenoord, too. Now, the Spaniard also has another reason to advance for the Dutchman in the January sales after Timber shared his affection for the Premier League.
“I love English football,” Timber told De Telegraaf. “Jurrien has that, too. As a child, Arsenal was already his number-one club. That’s why it’s extra, it’s great that he plays there now.
“I didn’t have a favourite club myself but I do enjoy watching the Premier League. It’s a great level and a very high pace. That’s ultimately what I strive for. It’s a dream to be there to play one day myself.”
Read more about what Timber has had to say about a transfer to the Premier League, here.
Antonio reveals his agent’s message after West Ham beat Arsenal
West Ham striker Michail Antonio has revealed what his agent messaged him after the Irons’ 2-0 win at Arsenal. Goals from Tomas Soucek (13’) and Konstantinos Mavropanos (55’) gave the Hammers a rare Emirates Stadium win in December. It was their first since August 2015.
Antonio did not feature in the London derby due to a knee injury he sustained in November. But the striker’s agent sought to bemoan the result following the game after West Ham also thwarted Arsenal’s title hopes last term. The Irons held the Gunners to a 2-2 draw last April.
Arsenal led 2-0 at London Stadium through Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard before West Ham responded for a draw. So, for the Irons to thwart the Gunners again annoyed Antonio’s agent. Arsenal also followed their defeat by losing at Fulham and to Liverpool in the FA Cup.
Antonio told the Footballer’s Football Podcast: “They played us and they just started losing games from there. I swear to god, even my agent has called me and he said, ‘It’s always you. It’s always you guys. You did it to us last year and you’ve done it to us this year!’
“I didn’t even play this time, I wasn’t even involved. How can you blame me? I actually feel for him, I want them to win the league. I actually want them to win the league.”
Read more about what Antonio has had to say about West Ham’s win over Arsenal, here.
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