Report: Arsenal escalating interest in 11-goal dynamo, opening bid likely to be rejected

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal are escalating their interest in a summer transfer for Shakhtar Donetsk forward Manor Solomon, according to One.

The Gunners will soon submit an offer for the Israeli attacker as they look to bolster Mikel Arteta’s forward options. Solomon enjoyed a strong season in front of the goal last term, netting 11 times across all competitions and offered one assist for Hirnyky.

Two of Solomon’s strikes also came in the Champions League against Real Madrid, as the 21-year-old enjoyed his second taste of the UEFA competition. He had also found the back of the net against Atalanta and Manchester City in the 2019/20 edition.

Solomon now feels ready to test himself in a more competitive division than the Ukraine Premier Liga. And Arsenal could offer the 19-cap attacker that chance with Arteta’s side preparing an offer.

But the Gunners will likely see their bid turned down, with the Premier League side prepared to pay €20m (£17m). Shakhtar deem Solomon to be worth closer to €25m (£21.5m) and will look to raise Arsenal’s offer in further negotiations.

Shakhtar are not desperate to sell the left-winger as the Donbass Arena outfit are financially strong. Solomon is also under contract until 2023, although they have lost one potential bargaining chip.

Aston Villa had also explored Solomon’s situation but elected to sign Emiliano Buendia over the Shakhtar star. Dean Smith’s outfit paid Norwich City £33m (BBC) for the Argentine, who had been on Arsenal’s radar as well.

The Gunners have long been keen on Solomon, though. Former Head of Football Raul Sanllehi discussed the winger’s availability with his agent, Pini Zahavi, in May 2020, per football.london.

TBR’s view: Arsenal adding exciting youth with Solomon

Arsenal still seem to have some distance to make up before Arteta can welcome Solomon to the Emirates Stadium. But Edu moving to meet Shakhtar’s asking price would see the Gunners’ Technical Director add an exciting young option to their squad.

Solomon has the potential to develop into a real star at Arsenal if given the chance to impress in north London. He is far from the finished product, but the big challenges have clearly not been daunting for the 21-year-old.

The Shakhtar star flourished against Real Madrid after previous showings against Man City and Atalanta. And those goals will have given the youngster the confidence to cut it in the Premier League in an attacking side.