Arsenal join Liverpool in the battle for Chelsea hotshot Solanke
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Liverpool’s plans to snatch Dominic Solanke from Chelsea this summer could prove trickier than anticipated, with reports suggesting Arsenal are targeting the striker too.
Solanke has consistently impressed in the Chelsea and England youth teams, but has grown frustrated with the lack of first-team opportunities available at Stamford Bridge.
The real issue however, according to this week’s press, is that the teenager’s contract is up at the end of the season.
Blues boss Antonio Conte has always publicly stated that the striker can leave this summer if he wishes to.
Born in Basingstoke, Solanke has been with Chelsea since he was seven, and has played a key role in two FA Youth Cup wins.
The striker has also played at every level from U16 to U21 for England, and got a taste of first-team football last season with a loan spell at Vitesse Arnhem.
He may be young, but at 6ft 1in Solanke packs a presence more than capable of the Premier League’s demands, and that’s also something Liverpool lack up front.
For all their pace, skill and energy, Jurgen Klopp’s strikeforce of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho are somewhat slender in build.
But Arsenal have entered the fray too, according to the Saturday papers.
It’s not yet known whether boss Arsene Wenger will stay at the club beyond this season, but Arsenal offer the advantage that Solanke would not need to leave the capital.
But the deciding factor could prove to be the Champions League.
Neither Arsenal nor Liverpool are yet secure of a top-four spot, and should one fail to do so, that could sway Solanke’s decision.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
