Arsenal in talks over £21m Manor Solomon transfer

Agents across the continent are getting in touch with prospective clubs as they try to find buyers for their clients, with Edu’s phone sure to be blowing up as Arsenal scour the market for a host of additions. Manor Solomon is the latest.

Initial reactions for the Israeli international will likely centre around the lack of need for someone of his profile. The 21-year-old is predominantly a left-winger but has played across the front line for Shakhtar Donetsk, exciting in last season’s Champions League as well as netting nine times in the Ukrainian Premier League.

But wingers are not Arsenal’s priority this summer. While there is mountains of work to do across the pitch, wide attacking berths are where the Gunners are most heavily stocked. Furthermore, the potential sale of Willian is ideal since he won’t even need replacing.

Versatility, however, is crucial and the pursuit of Emi Buendia indicates that if Mikel Arteta is to secure a wide player then it has to be someone who can operate in multiple positions, which Solomon can also do. This must be part of the reasonings why Edu has been speaking to his agent, Pini Zahavi of late.

Arsenal in talks over possible £21m Manor Solomon deal from Shakhtar Donetsk in summer transfer window

Links stretch back to the winter window in which Solomon’s family were pushing for an Arsenal move, with football.london adding that discussions, in some capacity, have continued this summer. Solomon is very keen on moving to the Premier League this window and will be available for £21m.

Raul Sanllehi was even offered the forward in May 2020 by Zahavi, with the former head of football’s departure since making links go cold, only for them to recently warm up.

Plying his trade for by far the strongest side in Ukraine, his stats unsurprisingly make for inviting viewing: he’s in the 98th percentile for successful dribbles and 99th percentile for non-penalty expected goals, among other alluring figures.

Players of this age bracket with strong ball carrying ability who can play inside or out, in small or open spaces and are comfortable across the pitch are the right profile to be aiming for. But unless the player is an elite operator who can’t be missed out on, then focusing attentions on the areas of the pitch in greater need of surgery should come first.

There is no talk of a bid yet and Solomon’s agent is pining for a switch to England in whichever way he can, putting the feelers out to Arsenal who historically pay inviting salaries. The interest is there, however.

But if Arteta is to land a versatile forward then one with experience of the division who can add to the team now would constitute smarter business. £21m being spent one someone who won’t usurp Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe or Nicolas Pepe from the team doesn’t make a whole lot of sense.