Tottenham Hotspur were considering move for former Arsenal target before sealing deal to sign Dominic Solanke: Reports

Tottenham Hotspur were reportedly hoping to launch a permanent move for former Arsenal target Ivan Toney before acquiring striker Dominic Solanke's services from Bournemouth.

Earlier this week, Spurs completed Solanke's signing for an initial fee of £55 million plus £10 million in bonuses. They handed the former Chelsea and Liverpool striker a contract until June 2030 after being impressed with his excellent performances in the 2023-24 season.

However, according to GiveMeSport, Tottenham were keeping close tabs on Toney with the intention of signing him this summer. They were even considering an offer of £40 million for the former Newcastle United striker, who is currently in the last 11 months of his contract.

Toney, who was heavily linked with Arsenal last season, has established himself as Brentford's talisman since arriving in 2020. He has scored 36 goals and laid out 11 assists in 83 Premier League matches so far.

Solanke, on the other hand, netted 19 goals in 38 Premier League matches for his former club in the 2023-24 campaign. The 26-year-old striker also registered three assists in the league for Bournemouth.

Arsenal urged to snap up Ollie Watkins

Speaking to betting outlet Gambling Zone, ex-Arsenal star Emmanuel Petit insisted that his former club should consider bolstering their attack this summer. He opined (h/t DAZN):

"Signing a striker should be Arsenal's number one priority in the transfer window. They need someone [who] is good in the air and can also be physically imposing. It's good to have different options, and [with the Gunners], you know how they will play on the attack, and it can be too predictable. We've seen them struggle to break down teams that play with a lot of men behind the ball."

Heaping praise on Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, Petit continued:

"I'm a huge fan of Ollie Watkins. I love him! He's strong physically. He has the pace to run in behind defenders. He's able to fight with two defenders all the time and can hold up the ball. I think he would be perfect for the football that Arsenal play. He has the ability to play one-on-one combinations and I think he would fit like a glove into [their] team and system."

Last term, Watkins relished his best-ever campaign as he guided his club to a fine fourth-place finish in the Premier League standings.

The 28-year-old former Brentford striker scored 27 goals and laid out 13 assists in 53 matches across competitions for Unai Emery's team.