Danny Murphy rates £40m striker wanted by Arsenal above Erling Haaland

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Arsenal have been linked with Dominic Solanke in recent weeks as they look to bolster their attacking ranks in the January transfer window.

The Gunners have been lacking a clinical, prolific focal point in attack, and it has held them back in their pursuit of the Premier League title.

Meanwhile, Solanke has been flying this term. He’s on 13 goals for the season, of which 12 have come in the Premier League. He also has one top-flight assist under his belt.

In December, the Daily Star reported that the Gunners are looking at a potential deal for Solanke as an alternative for Ivan Toney.

TalkSPORT pundit Danny Murphy has been so impressed with the £19million Cherries striker that he named him in his Premier League team of the season so far.

Indeed, the reported Arsenal target got in ahead of the likes of Erling Haaland and Ollie Watkins.

“Down the middle,” Murphy said on the station. “This might be a surprise because a lot of people have talked about Haaland and Watkins – Solanke.

“He’s got 12 league goals for Bournemouth in a side that’s not got great supply for him, they’re on the back foot a lot in games – he’s two goals behind Haaland!

“Now I know Haaland’s had a few injuries but his progression from where he was at last season to this… he’s the reason Bournemouth are where they are. He’s absolutely flying!

“If you’ve got 12 league goals at this stage and you’re two behind Haaland playing for Bournemouth, you’re doing something right.”

Arsenal may struggle to sign Dominic Solanke in January – TBR View

Arsenal aren’t alone in their reported pursuit of Solanke. The Mirror reported in November that West Ham are ready to make another approach for the 26-year-old.

This is after the Hammers reportedly fell short in pursuit of the striker in the summer with a £40million bid.

Solanke is a good player in great form and it would make sense for Arsenal to at least keep tabs on him. However, they may struggle to pull off such a deal in January.

He only penned a new contract in September, which runs until the summer of 2027. The Cherries’ hand is very strong at present, and the player doesn’t seem in any rush to leave.

Bournemouth’s highest ever Premier League finish to date is ninth place in 2016-17. with Solanke in their ranks, they’ll fancy their chances of an even higher finish. They’re in 12th at present.

At the same time, they’re 10 points above the bottom three. A lot can happen in a few matchdays, so the Cherries will not be taking anything for granted.

Basically, the likelihood is they probably won’t sell Solanke until the summer at the earliest.