Arsenal target who’s ‘absolutely flying’ now ranked above Haaland for one reason

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Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has been seriously impressed by mooted Arsenal target Dominic Solanke.

Arsenal have recently been credited with an interest in signing Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke. 

Whilst plenty of Arsenal fans were underwhelmed by this rumour, the Cherries hitman is undeniably in sensational form. The 26-year-old has racked up 12 goals in 19 Premier League appearances so far this season, already a career-best return for a top flight campaign for the former Chelsea and Liverpool man.

Arsenal do seem to be seriously on the lookout for a new striker. The north London club have been linked with a number of big names in that position.

Considering Mikel Arteta’s side are currently aiming to win a Premier League title, it would be a big ask for Solanke to come to the Emirates Stadium and step up to the standard required at a club of that level.

However, Danny Murphy is certainly enamoured with what he’s seen from Solanke this season. Discussing his picks for the best Premier League XI of the campaign so far, speaking on talkSPORT he said, “down the middle, this might be a surprise because a lot of people have talked about Haaland and Watkins – Solanke.”

“He’s got 12 league goals for Bournemouth in a side that’s not got great supply for him, they’re on the back foot a lot in games – he’s two goals behind Haaland! Now I know Haaland’s had a few injuries but his progression from where he was at last season to this…he’s the reason Bournemouth are where they are. He’s absolutely flying!”

“If you’ve got 12 league goals at this stage and you’re two behind Haaland playing for Bournemouth, you’re doing something right.”

What’s next for Dominic Solanke?

The south coast club would certainly be reluctant to part with Solanke this winter, as he has almost single-handedly fired Bournemouth clear of a relegation scrap as things stand.

Solanke would likely relish the challenge that would come with having to prove himself at Arsenal, though. If he could replicate his current Bournemouth form at the Emirates Stadium then he would immediately become significantly more prolific than Gabriel Jesus, who has just 3 Premier League goals under his belt so far this season.

However, this entire debate may well be moot, as transfer journalist David Ornstein has already admitted that he is unaware of any genuine interest from Arsenal in Solanke.

Whether or not Arsenal will be able to source a new striker this month remains to be seen. If they don’t, then Jesus and Eddie Nketiah need to raise their levels and become far more efficient in front of goal in the second half of the season.

As for Solanke, if he carries on scoring at the rate he is, then the once-capped England man will stand a great chance of being called up for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad at this summer’s EURO 2024 competition.