Neither Toney nor Solanke do this. Toney would arguably compete with Jesus for a spot in the starting line-up but it is near impossible to see Solanke being able to achieve this.
Perhaps I am being naïve though? Solanke’s numbers this season have been relatively strong with a goal being scored once every other game for an improving Bournemouth side.
Despite this, it remains almost certain that were he to arrive at the club the England international would be an established number two like Nketiah. If Arsenal didn’t move Nketiah on, he might even be third-choice as Arteta has shown an incredible amount of faith in the leading England under-21 goalscorer.
When names such as Victor Osimhen and Lautaro Martinez have been associated with the club in recent seasons – the Napoli forward has continued to be linked up until the present day – naturally, there would be a feeling of being underwhelmed at the suggestion of strikers who do not necessarily push the need. For good reason too, as Manchester City continue to see Erling Haaland deliver bucket-loads of goals the aim should be to try to close the gap as much as possible.
Solanke might offer something ‘different’ and further aerial threat at a cheaper price to Toney. Yet the price Bournemouth might ask for now would be inflated after his recent form, Arsenal being the interested party, his homegrown status and his long-term deal which does not expire until 2027.
Arsenal have needs in midfield, the wide areas and defence and there is expectation of several players moving on in the summer. Therefore the £100million fee that an Osimhen might command might not be preferred to a cheaper competitive option which allows greater freedom to invest across the eleven.
I cannot help but feel though that Arsenal have reached a stage with their group that if they do invest, it needs to be only to push the quality of the starting XI and younger players coming through can help with depth as starters get pushed down the pecking order by new arrivals. That said the arrivals of Jakub Kiwior, Leandro Trossard and Jorginho last January perhaps showcase this not being the strategy.
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