Arsenal legend Ian Wright has thrown a surprising twist into the ongoing transfer speculation surrounding the Gunners, suggesting that the North London club should target Bournemouth’s prolific striker Dominic Solanke, who was once part of Chelsea’s academy. This recommendation comes as an alternative to the widely touted option of signing Ivan Toney for £19 million.
Solanke, 26, has been in sensational form for Bournemouth, scoring an impressive 12 goals in just 19 Premier League appearances, showcasing his lethal attacking prowess. Wright, speaking to Premier League Productions, expressed his admiration for Solanke’s recent performances and labeled him a “proper modern centre-forward.”
Wright’s endorsement of Solanke comes as a surprising development, especially considering the recent speculation linking Arsenal with a move for Ivan Toney. Toney, who has been in stellar form for Brentford, has been on the radar of several top Premier League clubs, with a reported price tag of £19 million. However, Wright seems to favor the Bournemouth striker over the Brentford star.
The Arsenal legend acknowledged that Solanke faced skepticism and ridicule for his goal-scoring struggles when he initially joined Chelsea in a high-profile £19 million move in 2019. However, the English striker has since evolved and silenced critics by finding the back of the net consistently for Bournemouth. Wright’s recommendation implies that Solanke has developed into a more mature and prolific player, capable of making a significant impact at a club like Arsenal.
Arsenal, currently facing a challenging season, is in dire need of attacking reinforcements, and the suggestion to pursue Solanke could be a game-changer for the club. The Gunners have struggled to find a consistent goal-scoring threat, and Solanke’s current form makes him an attractive option.
Solanke’s journey from Chelsea’s academy to becoming a potential target for a top Premier League club adds an intriguing narrative to the transfer speculation. If Arsenal decides to heed Wright’s advice, it would mark a significant move for both the player and the club, providing a fresh opportunity for Solanke to showcase his talents on a grand stage.
As the January transfer window heats up, Arsenal fans will be watching closely to see if the club decides to pivot from the pursuit of Ivan Toney to explore the possibility of bringing in Dominic Solanke. The unpredictable nature of football transfers means that surprises are always on the horizon, and Wright’s endorsement of Solanke has certainly added an unexpected twist to Arsenal’s transfer saga.
