‘Dominic Solanke better for Arsenal than Victor Osimhen’

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 20 Dec 2023 13:14 GMT
• 3 min read

Former Arsenal star William Gallas believes that Dominic Solanke would be a better signing for the Gunners that other attacking targets Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toney.

Arsenal are in the market for a top class number nine in 2024 and could potentially even bring in a striker during the January transfer window.

Osimhen and Toney have been high up on Mikel Arteta’s striker shortlist, together with Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic.

Bournemouth’s Solanke has also been suggested recently, and Gallas believes he would be the best option for the Arsenal attack.

Gallas hints that Osimhen especially may have an issue getting on with Arteta, unlike Solanke.

What did Gallas say?

“I think Arsenal needs one striker who is different to Gabriel Jesus,” Gallas told Lord Ping.

“One striker who is physically better can help the team play a different style of football.

“Osimhen, Toney or Solanke? It’s a good question! It’s not just about the quality of the players but it’s if the player can have a good relationship with the manager. If you have a strong character and a strong personality, that might not suit what the manager wants.

“I’m not sure about Victor Osimhen. He has a strong character but I’m not sure if he’ll have a good relationship with Arteta. If I was Arteta, I would sign for Dominic Solanke, who is also a cheaper option than Osimhen and Toney.”

Solanke is having something of a breakout season in the Premier League, having scored eight goals in 16 games in the league for Bournemouth.

Arsenal are looking for a more prolific number 9, with Gabriel Jesus impressing with his all-round play but still lacking the scoring numbers of a top attacker.