Arsenal have been linked with several strikers across Europe including Napoli hitman Victor Osimhen.
The Nigerian helped the Serie A side win their first title in 30 years last season, and looks set to move this summer as a result of a £112m release clause.
Arsenal are keen on signing an elite goalscorer, and Osimhen would certainly fit the bill given what he did last season, but former striker Paul Merson has now claimed that the Gunners should look to a different player.
Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke has been linked after a surprisingly impressive campaign, and Merson has now stated that he would be a better signing than the Napoli attacker.
Paul Merson urges Arsenal to sign Dominic Solanke over Victor Osimhen
Speaking on Sky Sports News on transfer deadline day, Merson claimed that Solanke’s experience in the Premier League makes him a better option.
“If Solanke keeps doing what he is doing and finishes the back end like he’s started recently,” he stated when asked who he would prefer to sign.
“If he has that back end of the season I would like someone like him. You have to bring someone in who has played in this league.”
Should Arsenal prioritise Premier League-proven attackers?
Under Arteta, Arsenal have shopped within the Premier League a lot more than before, and last summer saw David Raya, Declan Rice and Kai Havertz arrived from English clubs.
However, two of these players took a long time to settle, with Raya now coming good but Havertz continuing to struggle.
Manchester City found success with Erling Haaland joining straight from the Bundesliga, whilst Liverpool signed Mohamed Salah from Serie A, and both settled instantly in front of goal.
Solanke has scored 13 Premier League goals this season. Osimhen scored 26 in Serie A and five in the Champions League last season, and despite playing in different leagues, it is clear that the Nigerian is levels ahead of the Bournemouth attacker.
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