Dominic Solanke has opened up about his long-standing connection with Arsenal, and now transfer rumours linking him with the Gunners are gathering pace.
Arsenal have been linked with many strikers over the course of this summer transfer window so far.
First, Mikel Arteta tried to sign Benjamin Sesko. Since then, the Gunners have been credited with an interest in Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toney, amongst others. Arsenal have also pushed to sign Viktor Gyokeres.
However, with Gyokeres looking likely to be too expensive, Arsenal have now turned their attention to Dominic Solanke.
The Bournemouth forward has a £65 million release clause, making him a significantly cheaper option than Gyokeres. He also boasts a proven Premier League track record, which the Swede cannot lay claim to, having never featured in the top flight of English football before.
Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked with a move for Solanke. However, with the 26-year-old having a personal connection with the Gunners, Arsenal may find that they have an advantage over their bitter North London rivals when it comes to the race for the once-capped England man’s signature.
Dominic Solanke reveals childhood Arsenal link
When it comes to convincing Solanke to make a move to Emirates Stadium, Arsenal may find that they don’t have much work to do.
A clip from back in May, of the forward speaking to BBC Match of the Day, has now resurfaced amid rumours linking Solanke with Arsenal.
In this footage, the Cherries attacker is asked about the first football shirt he ever got. Solanke said: “Would have probably been Arsenal. Yeah, my dad was an Arsenal fan, so I used to follow them. I went to a few Emirates Cups, back in the day.
“Back in the day, when you’re young, you love watching football and stuff. When you actually, like, grow up and you start playing against the teams, it’s a bit hard to support a team.”
Solanke may not identify as an Arsenal fan now, due to his professional commitments to a Premier League rival, but that connection and those childhood memories are clearly still there.
Arsenal transfer plans
On top of looking to bring in a new striker, the Gunners are also keen to strengthen their ranks in the middle of the park.
Arsenal are keen on Mikel Merino, but striking a deal for the Real Sociedad man is complicated, and not everyone at the Emirates Stadium is as convinced as Arteta that the Spain international is the right man to sign.
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