Arsenal must now react to missing out on signing Benjamin Sesko by triggering the unusual release clause of one Premier League star.
Arsenal’s hunt for a new striker is set to endure.
The Gunners were keen to strike a deal for Benjamin Sesko. The Slovenian forward looked to represent the ideal back-up and competition option for Kai Havertz. However, Sesko has now opted to pen a new contract with RB Leipzig, and will remain in the Bundesliga this summer.
As such, Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu will now have to pivot to alternative targets in order to find the goalscorer that the Gunners need.
One such forward that the North London club could look to sign is Dominic Solanke.
Arsenal could trigger strange Dominic Solanke release clause
The 26-year-old was in sensational form for Bournemouth last season, as he netted 19 goals in 38 Premier League outings. Beyond being a clinical finisher, he also works tremendously hard at the top of the pitch, can join in with build up play, and presses aggressively.
What’s more, he also fits a similar profile to Sesko. According to FBref stats, both players boast strikingly similar xG and ball progression stats. Like Sesko, Solanke takes just under 3 shots per match on average, averages around 30 touches per game, and produces similar defensive actions.
What’s more, due to an unusual clause in his existing contract with the Cherries, Arsenal may well be able to secure Solanke’s services for £65 million this summer. As reported by The Athletic, the once-capped England international has a release clause of that value that can only be activated by certain clubs, suspected to be those who have qualified for European competitions.
As Arsenal will feature in the Champions League next season, they obviously fall into this bracket, and as such ought to be able to trigger Solanke’s release clause.
Dominic Solanke would come to Arsenal with a point to prove
Solanke certainly has something to prove at the highest level. He has previously been on the books with both Chelsea and Liverpool, but failed to make the grade at either club. Now that he is older, more experienced, and has developed as a player though he may now feel that his time has come to prove his quality on the biggest stage.
Whether Arteta agrees with that sentiment remains to be seen. Solanke has now proven that he can be prolific in the Premier League at least, and with all due respect to Bournemouth, it is conceivable that he could reach a higher level still were he surrounded by better quality players.
Solanke would be an exciting addition to this Arsenal squad, even if he would arrive at the Emirates Stadium with some question marks hanging over him.