Arsenal have been linked with a lot of attackers in this summer window, but two targets are now moving to some of their closest rivals.
The Gunners have been linked with several centre-forwards, as well as a number of wingers who can play on both sides, with Mikel Arteta keen on adding to his attacking roster.
Arsenal were interested in Nico Williams as a winger, but the Spain star has now decided to remain at Athletic Bilbao, and Wolves attacker Pedro Neto was touted as an alternative. However, the Portugal International is set to join Chelsea.
With huge money deals for Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres looking increasingly unlikely, Arsenal were named as a possible destination for Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke. Despite a childhood admiration for Arsenal, Solanke is now on the verge of joining rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Arsenal fans did see the funny side of yet another supporter of the club joining Spurs, but they will also be wary about facing the striker in future North London derbies.
Harry Kane was an Arsenal fan in his younger days, and was even in the club’s academy, but went on to terrorise the Gunners for Spurs and Bayern Munich. However, Solanke is yet to do so.
Dominic Solanke’s record against Arsenal ahead of Spurs transfer
Arsenal fans will be slightly relieved that they are not about to face a familiar villain in future derby matches.
In five games against Arsenal across the Premier League and FA Cup, Solanke has failed to provide a goal or assist, and has lost every single game.
This includes a 3-2 Arsenal victory in 2023, which saw Arteta’s side go 2-0 down at home before Reiss Nelso scored an iconic last-minute winner.
Solanke was an unused substitute in 2017-18 as Arsenal lost 4-0 away at Liverpool and drew 3-3 at home, and was left on the bench in Arteta’s very first match as a manager as Arsenal drew 1-1 away at Bournemouth.
However, every single time he has played against Arsenal, Solanke has been on the losing side, and this will be a record that fans hope he will keep up next season.
Harry Kane record against Arsenal
It is the opposite story when it comes to Kane. The England captain ended up being every Arsenal fan’s worst nightmare, as someone who came through their academy as a boyhood fan, only to become Spurs’ all-time top scorer.
Kane has scored 15 times in 21 games across all competitions against Arsenal, with one of these strikes coming in the Champions League for Bayern Munich last season.
Kane won eight, drew six and lost seven times against Arsenal in his career, but his record in recent seasons was a negative one, as he lost three of his last four North London derbies.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
