Brilliant Bournemouth form puts Solanke on Arsenal’s radar

Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke is currently showcasing outstanding form, emerging as one of the key contributors for the Cherries this season.

His stellar performances have played a crucial role in Bournemouth’s recovery from a challenging start, propelling them up the Premier League standings.

At 26 years old, the former Liverpool striker seems to be hitting his prime and establishing himself as one of the top-flight’s dependable goalscorers. With rumors circulating about a potential January move to Arsenal, we examine the likelihood of such a transfer.

Solanke has already notched an impressive 12 goals in 18 league appearances this season, surpassing his previous best returns in the division. His goal-scoring prowess was evident in critical moments, including a significant performance and goal in Bournemouth’s 3-0 victory at Old Trafford and a recent hat-trick against Nottingham Forest.

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola praised Solanke’s contributions, highlighting his commitment, physical strength, technical abilities, and overall importance to the team.

“He is doing all the good things, on the ball, off the ball.

“I think he helps his team-mates a lot. Even if he doesn’t score, he is giving us a lot of things.”

Solanke not finding the net is becoming more of a rarity now, with his recent flurry of goals helping Bournemouth move clear of the relegation zone.

Arsenal attention

Interest in Solanke from other Premier League clubs is unsurprising given his form, which shows no sign of being unsustainable.

According to reports, Arsenal could target the former Chelsea youngster instead of pursuing Brentford striker Ivan Toney, who has not played since the end of 2022-23.

Along with Ollie Watkins and Callum Wilson, Solanke has established himself as one of a small number of reliable English No9s in the top tier.

And in a Gunners team that regularly creates chances, he could be the clinical finisher Mikel Arteta’s side needs.

Bournemouth, of course, will hope to keep hold of their star player beyond the January transfer window.

Reacting to the possibility of a move, Iraola said: “It’s very good that he [Solanke] receives some recognition because he deserves it.

“I think he is very happy here. He has shown it by renewing his contract not so long ago [in September].”

Lessons learned

Even if Solanke is content at Bournemouth, a move to Arsenal would be tempting.

The promise of a title race and Champions League football — just a few months before Gareth Southgate names his England squad for the upcoming European Championship — would attract even the most loyal of players.

It would also be another opportunity for Solanke to prove himself at a top Premier League club after he struggled to establish himself at Liverpool between 2017 and 2019.

Reds legend John Barnes said: “He [Solanke] has shown now that he can be the main man.

“The pressure of having to do that at Liverpool and Chelsea at that young age was probably too much for him.

“Now that he’s settled, he can be a very good Premier League player in a team that’s surviving in the league, he’s playing with confidence and showing what he can do.”

Ahead of their trip to Tottenham, Bournemouth will hope they can ward off any interest and continue to benefit from Solanke’s goals for the foreseeable future.