Just under two weeks before the new Premier League season begins, it seems increasingly likely that Arsenal will sign a new forward.
Eddie Nketiah is nearing an Arsenal exit, and the club have already sanctioned a move for Emile Smith Rowe to London rivals Fulham.
Edu and Mikel Arteta are attempting to conduct something akin to a one in, one out policy at the Emirates this summer.
Arsenal aren’t thought to be struggling from a PSR point of view, but will be mindful of future calculations.
And perhaps more importantly in the immediate future, Arteta won’t enjoy having a bloated squad with several players struggling for minutes.
Therefore, it would be nonsensical to sign a new striker or forward if Nketiah remained at the club – a decision that will be crucial to plans.
That being said, Arsenal are thought to have considered moves for several strikers this summer, the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen.
But in recent days, it’s become apparent that Arsenal retain interest in Dominic Solanke.
Arsenal target Dominic Solanke used to attend the Emirates Cup with his father
Solanke is thought to be willing to leave Bournemouth this summer, handing confidence to Arsenal and north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur that a deal could be done.
That being said, when potentially competing for Solanke’s signature, Arsenal could have an ace up their sleeve.
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When speaking to Match of the Day in May before facing Arteta’s side, Solanke actually admitted that he grew up as an Arsenal fan, regularly attending games with his father.
Solanke was asked if that played a significant role when facing the north-Londoners today, but said he treated the tie as no different to any others.
The £65m-striker was asked: “First football shirt you ever got?”
Solanke replied: “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.”
Interviewer: “Do you think about that when you play Arsenal?”
Solanke: “Not anymore. Back in the day when you’re young you love watching football and stuff but when you actually grow up and start playing against those teams I think it’s a bit hard to support a team, you know?”
Of course, Arsenal may try to tug on those previous heartstrings should they pursue a move this month.
That being said, Arsenal are prepared to pay £70m for a different Premier League striker according to reports.