Chris Sutton Urges Mikel Arteta to Bring in Dominic Solanke to Arsenal

Saturday, 30 December 2023 – 18:55 WIB

VIVA – Mikel Arteta has been told to reject a move for Ivan Toney and instead bring Dominic Solanke to the Emirates Stadium.

Toney looks set to be the Gunners’ main target in the January transfer window, with Arteta eyeing new players up front.

Bournemouth player, Dominic Solanke celebrates the goal against Manchester United

But the Brentford striker has been out for eight months due to a betting ban, with doubts he is the right player for the title-chasing Gunners.

Former Premier League winner Chris Sutton even named Solanke as the man who could solve their problems up front. The Bournemouth star has scored 13 goals this season, and Sutton branded him a “standout” alternative to Toney.

“They are catching up with Liverpool, with City chasing them, Pep Guardiola’s team will surpass them if they win the game. “There has been a lot of talk about how manager Mikel Arteta needs to recruit another striker in January,” said Chris Sutton to BBC Sport, quoted from the Mirror, Saturday, December 30 2023.

“Brentford’s Ivan Toney has been linked for some time, but he hasn’t played for months due to his suspension. He will train, but how much match sharpness does he have? Arsenal are trying to win the title, so they don’t have time to wait for anyone to get up to speed. “If we look at the names that should be in their grasp, Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke is the best candidate,” he said.

Brentford player Ivan Toney celebrates the goal against Manchester City

The chances of Brentford allowing Toney to leave in January appear increasingly slim. Bees boss Thomas Frank insisted he wants to keep the striker at the club ahead of his side’s trip to Crystal Palace.

“Getting Ivan back would be like signing an outstanding and proven Premier League striker at this level. He trained very well and we are looking forward to having him back. I really want to keep it. I want my best players,” said Frank.

“From my point of view, I don’t want to sell it. He is a fantastic and important player for us. He’s a Brentford player. “We haven’t received an offer yet, I want to keep him and he can’t wait to come back,” he added.

Solanke’s move will have the backing of Arsenal legend Thierry Henry. The Frenchman praised Solanke for his performances this season, which have helped Bournemouth recover from a poor start to the season.