Arsenal sign £65m superstar this summer to bolster attack after defeat to Manchester City last season

The Express reports that Arsenal has included Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke on their transfer list for this summer.

 

Adding a top-quality number 9 is one of Arsenal’s top priorities in the upcoming transfer window.

Preview

 

The lack of a striker capable of delivering 20 goals per season has been one of the major reasons why the Gunners fell short in the race for the Premier League title against Manchester City in the last two seasons.

 

The striking duo of Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah only managed a total of 9 goals in the Premier League 2023/24 season, while Kai Havertz has struggled to find consistent form.

Dominic Solanke to Arsenal transfer faces major obstacle after Liverpool  and Chelsea struggles - football.london

 

Recently, the English media has consistently linked Arsenal with a move for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, whom manager Mikel Arteta reportedly prioritizes. However, facing competition from other top clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United in this deal, the Emirates Stadium outfit is considering alternative options.

 

One of these options is Bournemouth striker Solanke, according to recent reports from The Express. Solanke enjoyed a prolific 2023/24 campaign at Vitality Stadium. In 38 Premier League appearances last season, the English star scored an impressive 19 goals, ranking third in the league’s top scorers list alongside players like Ollie Watkins and Phil Foden.

Arsenal's Dominic Solanke transfer decision asks questions amid £45m  striker strategy - Tom Canton - football.london

However, acquiring the 26-year-old striker may not be straightforward for Arsenal, as The Athletic previously reported that Solanke’s current contract with Bournemouth includes a release clause valued at up to £65 million, which is even higher than Sesko’s price tag of £55 million demanded by Leipzig.

Edu could sign 'unplayable' Dominic Solanke upgrade with £86m Arsenal  transfer

Nevertheless, Solanke’s extensive Premier League experience could be a significant catalyst for Arsenal’s confidence in securing his signature. By the end of the 2023/24 season, the player born in 1997 had accumulated a total of 5 years of top-flight football in England.