Arsenal have been linked with a whole host of strikers ahead of the summer transfer window, and Mikel Arteta has plenty of options to pick from.
With Kai Havertz now thriving as a centre-forward, Arsenal may end up changing tactic and moving for a younger striker, rather than one who needs to make an immediate impact.
Premier League-proven options such as Ivan Toney and Alexander Isak have been linked, as well as Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke.
The former Chelsea and Liverpool forward has exploded into life under Andoni Iraola, scoring 19 times in 38 Premier League appearances, and he has now earned praise from Arsenal legend Ian Wright after his outstanding campaign.
Ian Wright praises Arsenal target Dominic Solanke
Speaking on the Wrighty’s House Podcast, Wright highlighted how Solanke’s explosion into excellent form shows that the talent was there as a youngster, and claimed that he is now one of the best strikers in the Premier League.
“Dominic Solanke for me and his rise, because we’re talking about someone from a young age at Chelsea – we’re talking about goalscoring phenomenon in that Chelsea side, with Tammy (Abraham) and everybody else, Marc Guehi, all those great players such as Callum Hudson Odoi,” he stated when asked about the best Premier League performers this season.
“He got his move – I mean it’s similar when you look at the club he’s left, and the club he’s gone to. Leaving Chelsea to go to Liverpool, it’s almost like Cole Palmer leaving Man City to come to Chelsea, and I think that what they’ve seen of him and what he’s grown into, you could see what Liverpool saw in their vision.
“You could see what they saw. Whether he would have carried on to be doing what he’s doing there now, is a whole different thing, but you can see the qualities he has and at a club like Bournemouth, who went and stood with him, stuck with him even when he wasn’t scoring.”
Could Dominic Solanke be a good option for Arsenal this summer?
Although his price tag might be too high, Solanke would be a better option than Ivan Toney this summer. Wright has also explained what makes Solanke so special, and this may feed into why Arteta has seemingly eyed him up.
“When he isn’t scoring, what is so good about Dominic Solanke, is when you’re watching him, his hold up, link play and channel running is off the chain brilliant, because he’s honed those things.
“All he needs to do now when next season starts, is to continue scoring goals. It is no surprise to me that his name is involved, whether it’s England or whatever it is, because he’s one of the best number nines in the league at the moment with the way he plays, because when he plays in all these games, even if he’s not scoring, he’s causing you a lot of problems.”
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With Arteta insistent on his number nine contributing off the ball, with Havertz thriving as a result of his movement and physicality, Solanke could be a good alternative upfront due to his size, speed and finishing ability.
However, Solanke’s struggles in front of goal before this season do raise the question of whether his form is reflective of his true ability, and if he is to come with a huge price tag, there is still an element of risk involved in any deal.