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Bournemouth have reportedly identified Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah to replace Dominik Solanke. The 26-year-old Solanke joined Tottenham Hotspur this summer, leaving the Cherries scurrying for options up front.
As per ESPN, Solanke joined Spurs on a six-year deal after a 19-goal Premier League season as Bournemouth recorded their best points total (48) in the EPL era, finishing 12th. Solanke departed on a reported £65 million deal, a record sale for the Cherries.
Ahead of the new season, they had identified FC Porto marksman Evanilson, but the Portuguese side rejected the move. As per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Cherries have turned their attention to Nketiah, whose move to Marseiile broke down after the Ligue 1 side bought Eyle Wahi from RC Lens.
Nketiah was close to joining Marseille this summer, agreeing personal terms with the Ligue 1. But the Gunners rejected multiple bids, including one worth £27 million, holding out for £30 million (as per Metro). As a result, the Ligue 1 side cooled their interest in the Englishman as they settled in on Wahi.
Paul Scholes tips Arsenal to win Premier League
Legendary Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes reckons Arsenal could win the Premier League this season. The Gunners finished second, behind Manchester City, in the last two campaigns.
Mikel Arteta's side ran the champions close last season, taking the title race to the last day, before City beat West Ham United to finish two points in front and win a record fourth straight Premier League title.
Scholes reckons City would once again be the team to beat, but the Gunners will have their chances, considering their progress under Arteta in recent seasons. He said (as per Sportbible):
"I think the Premier League favourites will be the same as last yea. I think City will be the favourites closely followed by Arsenal. I have said a few times I expect Arsenal to be the team to win it this year. They have progressed over the last few years, with Mikel Arteta especially.
"I feel like this year is the time where they are ready to win it. I know it won't be easy, there will be a lot of competition, as we know the top seven or eight teams in England are good teams, but this year I think Arsenal will be the team to break the City cycle."
The Gunners open their Premier League campaign at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday (August 17).
