Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola says no club has made an approach for Arsenal target Dominic Solanke this summer.

Reports over the last few days have suggested that the Gunners are still interested in the former Liverpool striker, along with North London rivals Tottenham, Asked at the weekend about the player’s situation, Iraola said:

“I don’t have any other news. For me, it is the same situation. I always give you the same answer, because, for me, it is the same situation.”

“Until the market closes, this is how it is, not only for Dominic Solanke but other players too. I don’t know how we are going to finish. But today I can tell you, because I saw it live, it is something that happened in training.”

Arsenal wanted the forward in January

It was reported back in December that Mikel Arteta’s side had identified Solanke as the main alternative to Brentford’s Ivan Toney ahead of the January transfer window.

However, the club ultimately decided against pursuing either player and they have subsequently shifted focus to strikers such as RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez.

Solanke’s release clause may tempt clubs into bidding for him

It is widely known that the England international can be signed for £65m due to a buyout fee in his contract. Bournemouth owner Bill Foley confirmed the existence of the clause last month by saying:

“He has a release clause, which is very expensive. We shouldn’t reveal anything about the contract, but that area [reported £65m] sounds roughly correct. I guess if someone comes for him, we are going to have to replace him.

A lot will depend on whether Arsenal are willing to spend that much on a new No.9. They were said to be prepared to pay a similar amount for Sesko back in June so we shall see if they do go after Solanke.