Arsenal told they will have to ‘hugely overpay’ to complete striker signing after source’s unexpected reveal – pundit
Dominic Solanke would be a “huge risk” if Arsenal were to sign him in the January transfer window.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former England and Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson admitted the Bournemouth ace has looked the “real deal” this season, but questioned if he’d manage the step up to the Gunners.
As revealed by Football Insider (14 January), both Mikel Arteta’s side and Spurs are keen on a move for the striker following his impressive form under Andoni Iraola.
Solanke has bagged 13 goals and one assist across all competitions this season, including a game-winning hattrick in the Cherries’ 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest last month (23 December).
However, before this season, the 26-year-old had only scored 10 goals across 96 Premier League appearances with both Liverpool and Bournemouth.
Despite his influential outings on the south coast, Robinson insisted that Arsenal must set their sights on a proven and consistent goalscorer and not buy Solanke after a good recent spell.
“Arsenal need a striker, there’s no hiding that,” he told Football Insider.
“It’s widely talked about and the manager has been asked about it directly.
“From the start of the season, people have realised that they’re a 20-25 goal a season man away from being title winners, not just contenders.
“Recent results have been poor and they’ve slipped down the table.
“But, if they’re going to get a striker in January, they’re going to have to hugely overpay.
“Dominic Solanke has had a really good start to the season and has been amongst the goals and looks like the real deal.
“Can he do it over a whole season? If Arsenal are going to go and pay £80-100million, they’re not going to want a short-term fix.
“Can Solanke do that? Has he proved he can? He hasn’t.
“If you’re going to pay Bournemouth for him now, it’s a huge risk.
“He’s had half a good season, he’s not tried, tested or proven.”
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